Emergency bailout following in-flight engine fire near Everglades National Park

No fatalities • Miami, United States of America • Flight

An aircraft crew abandoned their plane after an uncontrollable engine fire led to a crash in the Florida Everglades.

What happened

During a flight near Miami, an engine failure resulted in an active fire aboard the aircraft. As the crew attempted to manage the situation, they found it impossible to suppress the flames. Consequently, the pilot made the decision to bail out and abandon the aircraft.

The plane subsequently crashed within the boundaries of Everglades National Park, situated approximately 18 miles northwest of Miami. The impact with the ground caused the total destruction of the airframe. Following the crash, a search and rescue operation was conducted, which successfully located all five occupants. The survivors were brought to safety roughly 12 hours after the incident occurred.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that an engine fire during flight was the primary factor leading to the abandonment of the aircraft and the subsequent crash.

Probable cause

An engine fire developed during flight and could not be extinguished by the crew.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1951-10-19 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Miami, United States of America?

An aircraft crew abandoned their plane after an uncontrollable engine fire led to a crash in the Florida Everglades.

Were there any fatalities in the 1951-10-19 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1951-10-19 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration 43-49040, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Miami, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An engine fire developed during flight and could not be extinguished by the crew.

Loading the flight search…