1963-09-22: Douglas C-133 Cargomaster (56-2002) — United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) — Atlantic Ocean, World

10 fatalitiesAtlantic Ocean, WorldFlight

An aircraft flying from Dover Air Force Base toward the Azores Islands disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in the loss of all 10 crew members.

What happened

Approximately 57 minutes after departing from Dover AFB, an aircraft traveling toward the Lajes, Azores Islands, was operating at an altitude of 14,000 feet. During this period, the crew provided a position report to ground controllers. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft became uncontrollable and descended into the ocean. The impact occurred roughly 1,440 km east of the New Jersey coastline.

Following the disappearance, search and rescue operations were launched to locate the wreckage and survivors. However, these efforts were terminated several days later after investigators found no evidence of the plane or its occupants. The incident resulted in 10 fatalities.

Findings

Official investigations into the crash concluded that there was insufficient physical evidence to establish a definitive reason for the accident. Consequently, the specific factors that led to the aircraft going out of control remain undetermined.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the accident could not be established due to a lack of available evidence.