7 fatalities

1954-10-20: Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (B-811) — Civil Air Transport — Hua Hin, Thailand

Hua Hin, ThailandFlight

On October 20, 1954, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration B-811) operated by Civil Air Transport was involved in an aviation accident near Hua Hin, Thailand in flight. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong evaluation on part of the flying crew who misjudged the distance with water surface during a low-level supply mission. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781251735Data APIEditorial standards

A CIA sea supply mission aircraft crashed into the sea near Hua Hin after its left wing hit the water during a low-level turn. All seven occupants were killed and the aircraft destroyed.

Accident Sequence

The crew was conducting a sea supply mission on behalf of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). While flying at a low height, the pilot-in-command initiated a left turn. During the maneuver, the left wing struck the water surface, causing the aircraft to crash into the sea several kilometers off Hua Hin. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact and all seven occupants were killed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be wrong evaluation on the part of the flying crew, who misjudged the distance between the aircraft and the water surface during the low-level supply mission.