3 fatalities

Aircraft crash into sea near Las Palmas-Gando Airport (T.3-37)

Las Palmas-Gando (Gran Canaria), SpainTakeoff (climb)

On June 30, 1971, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration T.3-37) operated by Spanish Air Force - Ejército del Aire was involved in an aviation accident near Las Palmas-Gando (Gran Canaria), Spain during takeoff. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: High crosswinds likely contributed to the aircraft's inability to maintain altitude, leading to a stall and subsequent crash. 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

An aircraft crashed into the ocean shortly after departing from Las Palmas-Gando Airport, resulting in three fatalities and two injuries.

What happened

Following its departure from Las Palmas-Gando Airport, an aircraft experienced significant issues maintaining altitude. During the initial climb phase, the plane struggled to gain sufficient height, eventually leading to an aerodynamic stall. The aircraft subsequently impacted the surface of the sea.

As a result of the impact, there were three fatalities and two injuries among those on board.

Findings

Investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash indicates that the flight was operating during conditions characterized by high crosswinds. These environmental factors contributed to the aircraft's inability to maintain its climb profile before the stall occurred.

Probable cause

High crosswinds likely contributed to the aircraft's inability to maintain altitude, leading to a stall and subsequent crash.