1958-02-20: Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation (141310) — United States Navy - USN — Atlantic Ocean, World

22 fatalitiesAtlantic Ocean, WorldFlight

An aircraft traveling from Argentia-Bristol Field NAS to Lajes Airbase disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in the loss of all 22 people on board.

What happened

During a night flight across the Atlantic, an aircraft departed from Argentia-Bristol Field NAS in Newfoundland, bound for Lajes Airbase in the Azores Islands. While traversing the ocean, approximately 177 km west of Crovo Island, the aircraft vanished from radar and contact.

Following the disappearance, search and rescue operations were launched and continued for several days. Despite these efforts, investigators were unable to locate any wreckage or debris from the plane. The incident resulted in 22 fatalities, as no survivors or traces of the aircraft were recovered.

Findings

Because no physical evidence or wreckage was retrieved from the ocean floor, the specific reason for the crash remains unknown. Investigators concluded that the lack of evidence prevented a definitive determination regarding the circumstances that led to the disappearance.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined due to the absence of wreckage or physical evidence.