No fatalities

Aircraft overrun at Bilbao-Sondica Airport (42-72566)

Bilbao-Sondica, SpainLanding (descent or approach)

On January 23, 1961, a Douglas C-54 Skyraider (registration 42-72566) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Bilbao-Sondica, Spain during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft failed to decelerate sufficiently after landing, leading to a runway overrun. 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 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft experienced a runway excursion following touchdown at Bilbao-Sondica Airport, resulting in significant damage but no injuries.

What happened

Upon landing at Bilbao-Sondica Airport, a four-engine airplane experienced mechanical or operational difficulties immediately after making contact with the runway. The aircraft was unable to decelerate sufficiently within the available runway length, leading to an overrun of the paved surface.

During the excursion, the aircraft's undercarriage was lost. The plane eventually came to a halt several dozen yards beyond the end of the runway. There were zero injuries reported among the occupants of the aircraft following the incident.

Findings

  • The aircraft sustained heavy damage and was subsequently written off.
  • The primary factor in the excursion was the inability to stop within the remaining runway distance after touchdown.

Probable cause

The aircraft failed to decelerate sufficiently after landing, leading to a runway overrun.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Jan 1961 Douglas C-54 Skyraider accident near Bilbao-Sondica, Spain?

A four-engine aircraft experienced a runway excursion following touchdown at Bilbao-Sondica Airport, resulting in significant damage but no injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jan 1961 Douglas C-54 Skyraider accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Jan 1961 involved a Douglas C-54 Skyraider, registration 42-72566, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Bilbao-Sondica, Spain.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft failed to decelerate sufficiently after landing, leading to a runway overrun.