Aircraft crash near Vejer de la Frontera involving Spanish Army personnel

12 fatalities • Vejer de la Frontera, Spain • Flight

A four-engine aircraft traveling from Madrid to Las Palmas crashed in a wooded area after an engine fire, resulting in 12 fatalities.

What happened

A flight departing from Getafe Airbase in Madrid and destined for Las Palmas-Gando Airport ended in a fatal accident in the vicinity of Vejer de la Frontera. The aircraft, a four-engine airplane, was transporting several members of the Spanish Army along with their families when an emergency occurred during the transit.

While the flight was in progress, one of the engines experienced a fire. In response to the onboard emergency, the captain initiated a descent to lower altitude to facilitate an unplanned landing. During this maneuver, the aircraft collided with trees in a forested region, leading to a crash and subsequent fire. The accident resulted in 12 fatalities and left 20 injuries among those on board.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor leading to the crash was an engine fire that occurred while the aircraft was in flight.

Probable cause

An engine fire during the flight necessitated an emergency descent that led to a collision with trees.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1976-08-09 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident near Vejer de la Frontera, Spain?

A four-engine aircraft traveling from Madrid to Las Palmas crashed in a wooded area after an engine fire, resulting in 12 fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1976-08-09 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 12 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1976-08-09 involved a Douglas C-54 Skymaster, registration T.4-11, operated by Spanish Air Force - Ejército del Aire, at Vejer de la Frontera, Spain.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An engine fire during the flight necessitated an emergency descent that led to a collision with trees.

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