1 fatality

Aircraft loss during Bay of Pigs invasion (935)

Playa Girón, CubaFlight

On April 17, 1961, a Douglas A-26 Invader (registration 935) operated by Cuban Air Force - Fuerza Aérea del Ejército de Cuba (1952-1961) was involved in an aviation accident near Playa Girón, Cuba in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was destroyed by gunfire from a United States ship. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft was downed by United States naval fire during the Bay of Pigs operation, resulting in one fatality.

What happened

During the military operations associated with the Bay of Pigs invasion, an unidentified aircraft was struck by gunfire from a vessel belonging to the United States Navy. Following the engagement, the plane performed a crash landing in the vicinity of Playa Girón.

As a result of the impact and subsequent landing, the crew sustained casualties. The navigator on board was killed in the incident, while the pilot survived but suffered injuries during the event.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the destruction of the aircraft was the direct result of being shot down by US naval fire during the conflict.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed by gunfire from a United States ship.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Apr 1961 Douglas A-26 Invader accident near Playa Girón, Cuba?

An aircraft was downed by United States naval fire during the Bay of Pigs operation, resulting in one fatality.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Apr 1961 Douglas A-26 Invader accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Apr 1961 involved a Douglas A-26 Invader, registration 935, operated by Cuban Air Force - Fuerza Aérea del Ejército de Cuba (1952-1961), at Playa Girón, Cuba.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was destroyed by gunfire from a United States ship.