Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident at Mt Taigetos, Greece, 21 Dec 1948 (OK-WDN)
On December 21, 1948, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration OK-WDN) operated by CSA Czech Airlines - Československé Státní Aerolinie was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Taigetos, Greece in flight. 24 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: In a first statement, Greek and Czech Authorities reported that the accident was probably the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain in bad weather conditions. 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.
Probable cause
In a first statement, Greek and Czech Authorities reported that the accident was probably the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain in bad weather conditions. But few weeks later, the Greek government confirmed that the aircraft has been shot down by Greek communists insurgents. The reasons for this act remains unknown.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
While overflying the Peloponnese region, the crew encountered poor weather conditions when the aircraft hit the slope of Mt Taigetos located about 22 km southeast of Kalamata. Seven USAF aircraft took part to the SAR operations and the wreckage was found few hours later in a mountainous region. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and all 24 occupants were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): In a first statement, Greek and Czech Authorities reported that the accident was probably the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain in bad weather conditions. But few weeks later, the Greek government confirmed that the aircraft has been shot down by Greek communists insurgents. The reasons for this act remains unknown.