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8 fatalities

Aircraft impact with terrain during poor weather conditions (SZ598)

Béja, TunisiaFlight

On February 16, 1951, a Short S.25 Sunderland (registration SZ598) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Béja, Tunisia in flight. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck a cloud-obscured hillside due to being significantly off course and flying at an insufficient altitude during poor weather. 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 aircraft crashed into a hillside while flying in low visibility, resulting in the deaths of all eight crew members on board.

What happened

During an operation conducted under adverse meteorological conditions, the aircraft struck the side of a 1,000-foot hill that was obscured by cloud cover. The impact occurred while the flight was operating significantly outside its intended path, as the aircraft was positioned 26 km away from its planned course. Additionally, the flight was at an altitude 1,700 feet lower than required for its position.

Findings

  • The crew encountered heavy cloud cover that prevented visual contact with the terrain.
  • The aircraft was flying 1,700 feet below the necessary altitude for its location.
  • A navigational deviation of 26 km from the intended track was present at the time of the accident.
  • The crash resulted in eight fatalities, with no survivors among the crew.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a cloud-obscured hillside due to being significantly off course and flying at an insufficient altitude during poor weather.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Feb 1951 Short S.25 Sunderland accident near Béja, Tunisia?

An aircraft crashed into a hillside while flying in low visibility, resulting in the deaths of all eight crew members on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Feb 1951 Short S.25 Sunderland accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Feb 1951 involved a Short S.25 Sunderland, registration SZ598, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, at Béja, Tunisia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a cloud-obscured hillside due to being significantly off course and flying at an insufficient altitude during poor weather.

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