3 fatalities

Cargo Flight Crashes into Mountain on Vestmannaeyjar Approach (TF-AIO)

Vestmannaeyjar, IcelandLanding (descent or approach)

On May 3, 1967, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration TF-AIO) operated by Flugsyn was involved in an aviation accident near Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control due to sudden downdrafts. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 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 cargo flight from Reykjavik City Airport to Vestmannaeyjar struck Mt Kervikurkjall during a go-around in deteriorating weather, killing all three crew members. The accident is attributed to loss of control from sudden downdrafts.

Accident Details

On an unspecified date, a cargo aircraft departed Reykjavik City Airport at 1726 local time for a flight to Vestmannaeyjar. The aircraft carried a crew of three and various goods. As the flight approached the Vestmann Islands, weather conditions deteriorated, and the pilot was unable to locate the runway. The pilot elected to perform a go-around and entered a holding pattern around the island.

Minutes later, while approaching from the north, the aircraft struck the slope of Mount Kervikurkjall, located less than 4 kilometers north of the airfield. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact, and all three crew members—Egill Benediktsson, Ásgeir Einarsson, and Finnur Th. Finnsson—were killed.

Cause

Authorities believe the accident was caused by a loss of control due to sudden downdrafts.

Probable cause

Loss of control due to sudden downdrafts.