Were there any fatalities in the 1951-10-27 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 30 fatalities.

Accident at Flores Airport: In-Flight Fire from Improperly Extinguished Cigarette (0961)

Q: What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1951-10-27 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration 0961, operated by Guatemalan Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Guatemalteca, at Flores-Mundo Maya (Santa Elena), Guatemala.

On October 27, 1951, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration 0961) operated by Guatemalan Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Guatemalteca was involved in an aviation accident near Flores-Mundo Maya (Santa Elena), Guatemala during takeoff. 30 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was reported that the loss of control was consecutive to a in-flight fire in the cabin caused by a cigarette that was not properly extinguished. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781255568Data API Editorial standards

Shortly after takeoff from Flores Airport, an aircraft experienced an in-flight fire in the cabin caused by a cigarette that was not properly extinguished, leading to loss of control and crash. All 30 occupants were killed, with two others seriously injured.

Accident Details

Shortly after takeoff from Flores Airport, while in initial climb, the aircraft went out of control and crashed in flames in a wooded area located about 2 km from the airport. All five crew members and 25 passengers were killed, while two others were seriously injured. The crew members were identified as Maj Enrique Pérez (pilot), José Angel Escobar, Miguel Deleón, Casiano Castañeda, and Enrique Menéndez.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation reported that the loss of control was consecutive to an in-flight fire in the cabin caused by a cigarette that was not properly extinguished.

Probable cause

It was reported that the loss of control was consecutive to a in-flight fire in the cabin caused by a cigarette that was not properly extinguished.

In-flight fire & smoke

1951-10-27: Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (0961) — Guatemalan Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Guatemalteca — Flores-Mundo Maya (Santa Elena), Guatemala

Accident Details

Investigation Findings

Probable cause

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Accident Details

Investigation Findings

Probable cause

Related events

Same operator

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