2 fatalities

Missing Aircraft During Maintenance Flight from Havana to Miami (209)

Marathon, United States of AmericaFlight

On February 7, 1960, a Douglas C-53 Skytrooper (DC-3) (registration 209) operated by Cuban Air Force - Fuerza Aérea del Ejército de Cuba (1952-1961) was involved in an aviation accident near Marathon, United States of America in flight. 2 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 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 crew on a positioning flight from Havana to Miami for propeller adjustment reported a distress call over the Florida Keys. The aircraft crashed into the Strait of Florida; search and rescue found no trace.

Incident Overview

A crew was conducting a positioning flight from Havana, Cuba, to Miami, Florida, for maintenance purposes, specifically to adjust the propeller. While cruising along the Florida Keys, the crew transmitted a distress call. The aircraft subsequently crashed into the Strait of Florida, in the area between Key West and Marathon.

Search and Rescue Efforts

Search and rescue (SAR) operations were initiated following the distress call. However, after several days of searching, the operations were suspended. No trace of the aircraft or the crew was ever found.

Aircraft and Crew Status

The aircraft and its crew remain missing. No wreckage or debris was located during the search efforts.