12 fatalities

Airplane Crashes in Vejer de la Frontera After Engine Fire (T.4-11)

Vejer de la Frontera, SpainFlight

On August 9, 1976, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration T.4-11) operated by Spanish Air Force - Ejército del Aire was involved in an aviation accident near Vejer de la Frontera, Spain in flight. 12 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An engine caught fire in flight. 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

A four-engine airplane carrying Spanish Army officers and family members crashed after an engine fire, killing 12 and injuring 20. The accident occurred in a wooded area in Vejer de la Frontera.

Accident Overview

A four-engine airplane on a flight from Getafe Airbase in Madrid to Las Palmas-Gando Airport suffered an engine fire en route. The captain reduced altitude to attempt an emergency landing, but the airplane struck trees and crashed in flames in a wooded area in Vejer de la Frontera. The impact and subsequent fire resulted in casualties.

Casualties

The source reports that 12 occupants were killed and 20 others were injured. The occupants included officers of the Spanish Army and family members. No further details on injuries or fatalities are provided.

Flight Details

The flight originated from Getafe Airbase, a Spanish Air Force facility near Madrid, and was destined for Las Palmas-Gando Airport on Gran Canaria. The aircraft was a four-engine airplane, but its specific type and registration are not specified in the source.

Official Findings

The probable cause of the accident, as stated by the official investigation, was an engine caught fire in flight. No additional causal factors or contributing elements are mentioned in the source.

Additional Context

The source does not provide the date, time, or weather conditions at the time of the accident. No information regarding air traffic control communications or the aircraft's final moments beyond the engine fire is available.