On July 10, 1963, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration HP-382) operated by Aerovias Panama Airways - APASA was involved in an aviation accident near Cockburn Harbour, Turks and Caicos Islands in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft experienced mechanical failure involving its engines during flight. 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.
A cargo flight ended in an emergency water landing 15 km south of Cockburn Harbour, Turks and Caicos Islands, after the crew encountered engine issues.
What happened
During a scheduled cargo operation, the flight crew experienced mechanical difficulties involving the aircraft's engines. Due to the nature of the engine problems, the decision was made to perform an emergency ditching in the ocean. The event took place approximately 15 km south of Cockburn Harbour in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Following the impact with the water, both members of the crew were successfully evacuated from the aircraft without injury. While the personnel survived the incident, the aircraft subsequently sank into the sea and is considered a total loss.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the emergency landing was engine problems encountered during the flight phase.
Probable cause
The aircraft experienced mechanical failure involving its engines during flight.