1953-11-12: Junkers JU.52 (T-159) — Líneas Aéreas del Estado - LADE — Villa Mugueta, Argentina

13 fatalitiesVilla Mugueta, ArgentinaLanding (descent or approach)

A mid-air collision between a Junkers JU52 and an Argentinian Air Force DH.104 Dove resulted in the deaths of all 20 people on board both aircraft.

What happened

During an approach to Rosario, a Junkers JU51 collided with an Argentinian Air Force DH.104 Dove, registration T-62. The collision took place under circumstances that remain unclear. Following the impact, the DH.104 Dove, which was carrying seven crew members, suffered a structural failure when it lost a wing. This caused the aircraft to crash into a field situated approximately eight kilometers south of Villa Mugueta.

The pilot of the Junkers JU51 attempted to perform an emergency landing following the encounter; however, the three-engine aircraft ultimately crashed and caught fire. The accident resulted in 20 fatalities, accounting for every occupant aboard both participating aircraft.

Findings

Specific details regarding the exact cause of the mid-air collision have not been established, as the initial impact occurred under unclear circumstances.

Probable cause

The precise cause of the mid-air collision remains undetermined due to unclear circumstances surrounding the encounter.