9 fatalities

Rescue Aircraft Crashes West of Barra Island, All Nine Crew Members Lost (WX510)

Atlantic Ocean, WorldFlight

On October 13, 1955, a Lockheed P-2 Neptune (registration WX510) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Atlantic Ocean, World in flight. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident could not be determined due to lack of evidence. However, it is believed that the loss of control occurred during a last turn at low height or that the aircraft stalled while cruising at low speed. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft on a rescue mission for a missing Icelandic trawler crashed approximately 208 km west of Barra Island, Hebrides Islands. All nine crew members did not survive. The official investigation could not determine the exact cause but suggested loss of control during a turn at low altitude or a stall at low speed.

Accident Overview

An aircraft conducting a rescue mission for a missing Icelandic trawler crashed in unknown circumstances about 208 km west of Barra Island in the Hebrides Islands. Few pieces of debris were recovered from the site. None of the nine crew members on board survived the crash.

Response

Following the aircraft's disappearance, search and recovery efforts located scattered debris. The operation confirmed that all nine individuals aboard had perished.

Investigation

Investigators examined the limited wreckage and available data. The sparse evidence prevented a definitive determination of the accident's cause.

Probable Cause

The official findings state that the exact cause of the accident could not be determined due to lack of evidence. However, it is believed that the loss of control occurred during a last turn at low height or that the aircraft stalled while cruising at low speed.