Aircraft ditching in Atlantic Ocean due to fuel shortage

No fatalities • Atlantic Ocean, World • Flight

An aircraft performing a transatlantic flight from Lajes to Hamilton, Bermuda, was forced to ditch in the ocean after running low on fuel.

What happened

During a scheduled transatlantic crossing from Lajes toward Hamilton, Bermuda, the flight crew encountered a critical shortage of fuel. The captain notified ground controllers that the remaining fuel levels were insufficient to complete the journey to the destination in Bermuda.

In an effort to manage the situation, the pilot lowered the aircraft's altitude. The crew subsequently performed a ditching maneuver in the vicinity of the Echo weather station. Following the impact with the water, a United States Coast Guard (USCG) team arrived at the scene and successfully rescued all eight crew members. Despite the successful evacuation, the aircraft sank into the ocean and was subsequently lost.

Findings

Investigations into the incident concluded that the primary reason for the emergency was fuel exhaustion during the flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft ran out of fuel while en route to its destination.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1955-01-26 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident near Atlantic Ocean, World?

An aircraft performing a transatlantic flight from Lajes to Hamilton, Bermuda, was forced to ditch in the ocean after running low on fuel.

Were there any fatalities in the 1955-01-26 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1955-01-26 involved a Douglas C-54 Skymaster, registration 45-0569, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Atlantic Ocean, World.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft ran out of fuel while en route to its destination.

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