No fatalities

Aircraft crash in Hamilton Harbor following takeoff (128389)

Hamilton, BermudaTakeoff (climb)

On October 19, 1953, a Lockheed P-2 Neptune (registration 128389) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Hamilton, Bermuda during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft entered a stall due to a malfunctioning tail plane trim device. 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 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane crashed into Hamilton's harbor shortly after departing Kindley Field, resulting in the loss of the aircraft but no fatalities.

What happened

Shortly after departing from Kindley Field in Hamilton, an aircraft experienced a loss of control during the initial climb. The plane entered a stall and subsequently descended into Hamilton's harbor.

Despite the impact with the water, all eight crew members on board were successfully rescued from the wreckage. While there were no fatalities reported among the occupants, the aircraft was completely destroyed in the accident.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the primary reason for the stall was a mechanical failure involving the aircraft's tail plane trimming device, which had become stuck during the flight phase.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered a stall due to a malfunctioning tail plane trim device.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Oct 1953 Lockheed P-2 Neptune accident near Hamilton, Bermuda?

An airplane crashed into Hamilton's harbor shortly after departing Kindley Field, resulting in the loss of the aircraft but no fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Oct 1953 Lockheed P-2 Neptune accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Oct 1953 involved a Lockheed P-2 Neptune, registration 128389, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Hamilton, Bermuda.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered a stall due to a malfunctioning tail plane trim device.