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7 fatalities

Twin-Engine Aircraft Crashes into Sea near Fuerteventura (T.3-44)

Fuerteventura, SpainFlight

On April 21, 1963, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration T.3-44) operated by Spanish Air Force - Ejército del Aire was involved in an aviation accident near Fuerteventura, Spain in flight. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Due to lack of evidence, it was not possible to determine the cause of the accident. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the sea near Fuerteventura 44 minutes after departure from Las Palmas-Gando. SAR operations were suspended days later with no trace of the aircraft or seven crew members found.

Accident Details

On the day of the accident, the crew departed Las Palmas-Gando Airport at 0227 local time on a flight destined for the airbase of Los Llanos in Albacete. While approaching the island of Fuerteventura, the twin-engine aircraft crashed into the sea approximately 44 minutes after takeoff. The aircraft and its seven crew members were lost.

Search and Rescue Operations

Search and rescue (SAR) operations were initiated immediately following the accident. However, after several days, the operations were suspended as no trace of the aircraft or the seven crew members was found.

Investigation

The official investigation was conducted into the accident. Due to a lack of evidence, it was not possible to determine the cause of the accident. The absence of wreckage and remains prevented investigators from reaching any conclusions regarding the circumstances of the crash.

Probable cause

Due to lack of evidence, it was not possible to determine the cause of the accident.

Related events

Same operator

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