Aircraft disappearance near Las Palmas-Gando Airport

10 fatalities • Las Palmas-Gando (Gran Canaria), Spain • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft disappeared during a night approach to Las Palmas, resulting in the loss of all ten people on board.

What happened

During a positioning flight intended to transport passengers from Hamburg via Las Palmas, an aircraft went missing while approaching Las Palmas-Gando Airport at night. The flight was traveling from Madrid-Barajas Airport to Las Palmas to collect German tourists for a subsequent leg to Germany.

While performing the approach, the plane crashed into the ocean approximately 22 km east of Arinaga. Following the disappearance, search efforts located minimal debris floating on the surface of the water. The wreckage was eventually located at a depth of 1,560 meters. There were 10 fatalities in the accident, as none of the occupants survived the impact.

Findings

The specific reasons for the crash into the sea remain unidentified, as the circumstances surrounding the loss of the aircraft have not been established.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the accident remains undetermined.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-07-06 Douglas DC-8 accident near Las Palmas-Gando (Gran Canaria), Spain?

An aircraft disappeared during a night approach to Las Palmas, resulting in the loss of all ten people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1972-07-06 Douglas DC-8 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 10 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1972-07-06 involved a Douglas DC-8, registration EC-ARA, operated by Aviaco - Aviacion y Comercio, at Las Palmas-Gando (Gran Canaria), Spain.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact cause of the accident remains undetermined.

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