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73 fatalities

Aviation Accident: Four-Engine Aircraft Crashes Offshore After In-Flight Explosion (CU-T1201)

Bridgetown-Grantley Adams, BarbadosTakeoff (climb)

On October 6, 1976, a Douglas DC-8 (registration CU-T1201) operated by Cubana de Aviación was involved in an aviation accident near Bridgetown-Grantley Adams, Barbados during takeoff. 73 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An explosive device placed in the rear part of the cabin exploded during initial climb, causing severe damage to control systems. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft crashed into the sea about 8 km offshore after an in-flight explosion during initial climb. All 73 occupants were killed, including 24 members of the Cuban National Fencing Team.

Incident Overview and Timeline A four-engine aircraft departed Bridgetown-Grantley Adams Airport at 1715LT on a scheduled flight to Havana via Kingston, Jamaica. Nine minutes after departure, the captain declared an emergency and informed air traffic control of an explosion on board. The aircraft was cleared to return for an emergency landing. Shortly afterward, it entered a right turn, lost altitude, and plunged into the sea approximately 8 km offshore. The aircraft disintegrated on impact, and all 73 occupants were killed. Among the fatalities were 24 members of the Cuban National Fencing Team. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that an explosive device had been placed in the rear part of the cabin and exploded during initial climb. The explosion caused severe damage to the aircraft's control systems. The terrorist act was claimed by the Coordination of United Revolutionary Organizations, an anti-Castro organization, with Luis Posada Carriles at its head.

Probable cause

An explosive device placed in the rear part of the cabin exploded during initial climb, causing severe damage to control systems.
In-flight fire & smoke

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Oct 1976 Douglas DC-8 accident near Bridgetown-Grantley Adams, Barbados?

A four-engine aircraft crashed into the sea about 8 km offshore after an in-flight explosion during initial climb. All 73 occupants were killed, including 24 members of the Cuban National Fencing Team.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Oct 1976 Douglas DC-8 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 73 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Oct 1976 involved a Douglas DC-8, registration CU-T1201, operated by Cubana de Aviación, at Bridgetown-Grantley Adams, Barbados.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An explosive device placed in the rear part of the cabin exploded during initial climb, causing severe damage to control systems.

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