23 fatalities

Nighttime Crash of Four-Engine Aircraft into Trinity Bay Kills All 23 Occupants (51-17626)

Trinity Bay, CanadaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 26, 1961, a Douglas C-118 Liftmaster (registration 51-17626) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Trinity Bay, Canada during landing or approach. 23 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed the aircraft disintegrated in the air, maybe following a major technical issue. Nevertheless, due to the lack of evidence, it was not possible to determine the exact cause of the accident. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft crashed into Trinity Bay during a nighttime approach to Argentia-Bristol Field. All 23 occupants were killed, and few debris were found floating early the next morning.

Accident Details

During a nighttime approach to Argentia-Bristol Field, a four-engine aircraft crashed into Trinity Bay approximately 50 kilometers northeast of Argentia. In the early morning following the accident, only a few pieces of debris were found floating on the water. All 23 occupants aboard the aircraft were killed.

Investigation and Official Findings

The official investigation into the accident concluded that it is believed the aircraft disintegrated in the air, possibly following a major technical issue. However, due to a lack of evidence, it was not possible to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Aftermath

Recovery efforts were limited due to the scattered debris and the remote location of the crash site. The accident remains under investigation, but no further details have been released.

Probable cause

It is believed the aircraft disintegrated in the air, maybe following a major technical issue. Nevertheless, due to the lack of evidence, it was not possible to determine the exact cause of the accident.