No fatalities

Shannon Airport emergency landing due to engine fire (EI-ACA)

Shannon, IrelandTakeoff (climb)

On June 18, 1946, a Douglas DC-3 (registration EI-ACA) operated by Aer Lingus was involved in an aviation accident near Shannon, Ireland during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A fire originated on the left engine shortly after takeoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

Following an in-flight fire on the left engine shortly after takeoff from Shannon Airport, the crew executed an emergency landing in nearby marshland, resulting in injuries to ten occupants.

What happened

The incident occurred immediately following departure from Shannon Airport. While the aircraft was in the climb phase, the flight crew communicated to air traffic control that a fire had broken out on the left engine. The captain initially assessed the situation and determined that a return to the airport was not feasible. Consequently, the decision was made to attempt an emergency landing in the immediate vicinity.

The aircraft impacted a marshland area near the airport perimeter and eventually came to rest. Post-accident assessments indicated that the airframe sustained damage sufficient to be written off. Regarding personnel, ten occupants were injured during the event, while nine others remained unhurt.

Findings

Official investigations identified the primary contributing factor as a fire originating on the left engine.

Probable cause

A fire originated on the left engine shortly after takeoff.