Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident at Monte Argentario, Italy, 31 Dec 1948 (ZS-BYX)
On December 31, 1948, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration ZS-BYX) operated by Pan African Air Charter was involved in an aviation accident near Monte Argentario, Italy in flight. 13 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the result of a controlled flight into terrain. Poor visibility caused by low clouds was considered as a contributory factor. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
Probable cause
The accident was the result of a controlled flight into terrain. Poor visibility caused by low clouds was considered as a contributory factor.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
While flying over the Ligurian Sea en route from Athens to Nice, the crew encountered poor weather conditions and the captain decided to divert to Rome-Ciampino. The aircraft overflew the Orbetello lagoon and then went through low clouds when it hit the slope of a mountain located near Monte Argentario. The aircraft was destroyed and all 13 occupants were killed. The airplane was performing a charter flight on behalf of the British operator Scott Gordon Aviator.
Probable cause (official findings): The accident was the result of a controlled flight into terrain. Poor visibility caused by low clouds was considered as a contributory factor.