20 fatalities

Aircraft Crashes into Ocean near Hafnarfjörður after Go-Around at Reykjavik Airport (TF-ISG)

Reykjavik, IcelandLanding (descent or approach)

On January 31, 1951, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration TF-ISG) operated by Flugfélag Íslands was involved in an aviation accident near Reykjavik, Iceland during landing or approach. 20 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident was not determined with certainty. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 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

An aircraft on approach to Reykjavik Airport in poor weather conducted a go-around. While attempting a second landing, it lost control and crashed into the ocean about 16 km off Hafnarfjörður. None of the 20 occupants survived.

Approach and Go-Around

While descending to 500 feet on approach to Reykjavik Airport, the captain informed air traffic control that the runway was not visible and visual contact with the approach lights could not be established. The weather conditions were poor at the time. The captain decided to execute a go-around and flew a circuit over the area at an altitude of 2,000 feet, waiting for the weather to improve.

Second Approach Attempt

A few minutes later, ATC advised the crew that visibility had improved and that a second landing attempt could be made. The aircraft proceeded toward the coast for the approach.

Accident and Search & Rescue

While approaching the coast, the aircraft went out of control and crashed into the ocean approximately 16 km off the village of Hafnarfjörður, south of Reykjavik. Search and rescue operations were launched immediately, but the first debris were not found on the water until a day later.

Occupants

Twenty people were on board the aircraft. None of them survived the accident.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the accident was not determined with certainty.