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11 fatalities

Pacific Ocean Crash During Anti-Submarine Exercise (152171)

Pacific Ocean, WorldFlight

On April 9, 1966, a Lockheed P-3 Orion (registration 152171) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Pacific Ocean, World in flight. 11 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control caused by the disengagement of the autopilot in flight for undetermined reason. 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

An aircraft crashed into the Pacific Ocean 187 miles off San Diego during an anti-submarine exercise, killing all 11 occupants. The probable cause was loss of control due to autopilot disengagement.

Incident Overview and Casualties An aircraft was conducting an anti-submarine exercise when it lost control and crashed into the Pacific Ocean. The impact occurred approximately 187 miles off the coast of San Diego. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident, and all 11 people on board were killed. ## Official Probable Cause The investigation determined that the accident was caused by a loss of control in flight. This loss of control resulted from the disengagement of the autopilot for an undetermined reason. No specific aircraft type, registration, operator, or date was provided in the source material.

Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Apr 1966 Lockheed P-3 Orion accident near Pacific Ocean, World?

An aircraft crashed into the Pacific Ocean 187 miles off San Diego during an anti-submarine exercise, killing all 11 occupants. The probable cause was loss of control due to autopilot disengagement.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Apr 1966 Lockheed P-3 Orion accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 11 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Apr 1966 involved a Lockheed P-3 Orion, registration 152171, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Pacific Ocean, World.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of control caused by the disengagement of the autopilot in flight for undetermined reason.

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