2 fatalities

Air Manila Ferry Flight Crashes into Trinity Bay, Both Pilots Killed (N4997E)

Trinity Bay, CanadaFlight

On March 18, 1965, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration N4997E) operated by Miami Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Trinity Bay, Canada in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control following an emergency of an undetermined nature. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

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

Aircraft being delivered to Air Manila crashed into Newfoundland's Trinity Bay after a brief mayday call. Both pilots were killed. The probable cause was loss of control following an undetermined emergency.

Accident Overview

On an unspecified date, a ferry flight destined for delivery to Air Manila in the Philippines ended in tragedy when the aircraft crashed into Trinity Bay, Newfoundland. The crew had departed from Miami, Florida, with planned stops at Gander, Newfoundland, and Santa Maria, Azores Islands. While cruising over Newfoundland during the early portion of the flight, the crew transmitted a brief mayday message. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft went out of control and plunged into the waters of Trinity Bay. The aircraft was destroyed, and both pilots on board were killed.

Flight Details

The aircraft was being ferried from Miami to its new operator, Air Manila, located in the Philippines. The intended route included intermediate fueling stops at Gander International Airport in Newfoundland and Santa Maria Airport in the Azores. The accident occurred while the aircraft was still over Newfoundland, before reaching its first intended stop. The nature of the emergency that prompted the mayday call was never determined.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation into the accident concluded that the probable cause was a loss of control following an emergency of an undetermined nature. The report did not specify any mechanical failures, weather conditions, or pilot errors as contributing factors. The exact reason for the loss of control remains unknown.