2 fatalities

Training Sortie Ends in Ditching Off Miami (131703)

Miami, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On February 4, 1956, a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar (registration 131703) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Miami, United States of America during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure. 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 local training flight from Miami-Opa Locka Airport ended in a ditching off Miami after an engine failure shortly after takeoff. Two crew members were rescued, while others drowned.

Incident Overview and Immediate Response The aircraft was conducting a local training sortie from Miami-Opa Locka Airport when it encountered engine problems shortly after takeoff during the climb. The crew contacted air traffic control and decided to ditch the aircraft off Miami. ## Outcome Two crew members were rescued, while others drowned. The official investigation identified engine failure as the probable cause of the accident. ## Operational Context The event occurred during a training operation, with the crew making the decision to ditch after the engine issues arose in the initial climb phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Feb 1956 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident near Miami, United States of America?

A local training flight from Miami-Opa Locka Airport ended in a ditching off Miami after an engine failure shortly after takeoff. Two crew members were rescued, while others drowned.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Feb 1956 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Feb 1956 involved a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, registration 131703, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Miami, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine failure.