Disappearance of aircraft over the Bahamas in 1965

10 fatalities • Acklins Island, Bahamas • Flight

An aircraft traveling from Homestead Air Force Base to the Turks & Caicos Islands disappeared during a night flight, resulting in the loss of all ten people on board.

What happened

On a flight departing from Homestead AFB at 19:47 local time, an aircraft was en route to Cockburn Town, Turks & Caicos Islands. The flight was carrying a total of ten individuals, consisting of five crew members and five mechanics who were traveling to perform engine repairs on a C-119.

During the night, while the aircraft was in the cruise phase over the Bahamas, it vanished from radar tracking. No distress signals or emergency communications were received from the flight crew prior to the loss of contact. The final radio transmission was documented while the plane was positioned over the area near Crooked Island.

Following the disappearance, search and rescue operations were launched and continued for several days. Despite these efforts, no wreckage or survivors were located during the initial search period. On July 18, 1965, some debris from the flight was discovered on a beach on Acklins Island, Bahamas. The total number of fatalities is recorded as 10.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that there was insufficient evidence to identify the specific reason for the aircraft's disappearance.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined due to a lack of physical evidence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1965-06-05 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident near Acklins Island, Bahamas?

An aircraft traveling from Homestead Air Force Base to the Turks & Caicos Islands disappeared during a night flight, resulting in the loss of all ten people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1965-06-05 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 10 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1965-06-05 involved a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, registration 51-2680, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Acklins Island, Bahamas.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined due to a lack of physical evidence.

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