Crash of a Bristol 170 Freighter I off Cabo de Palos: 42 killed
Date & Time:
Oct 16, 1947 at 1450 LT
Registration:
F-BCJN
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Paris – Marseille – Oran – Casablanca
MSN:
12788
YOM:
1946
Crew on board:
5
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
39
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
42
Circumstances:
While flying along the Spanish coast, the radio operator informed ground by radio: 'one engine stopped, are forced to ditch the aircraft'. Shortly later, the aircraft crashed into the sea some 25 km southeast off Cabo de Palos. The first rescuers arrived on site 24 hours later and were able to evacuate two survivors, the mechanic and a passenger. All 42 other occupants were killed.
Crew:
Mr. Galindo, pilot,
Mr. Remy, mechanic,
Mr. Chase, mechanic,
Mr. Chanel, radio navigator,
Anne-Marie Rouannet, stewardess.
Crew:
Mr. Galindo, pilot,
Mr. Remy, mechanic,
Mr. Chase, mechanic,
Mr. Chanel, radio navigator,
Anne-Marie Rouannet, stewardess.
Probable cause:
As the aircraft quickly sank by a significant depth, a recovery was not possible and only few debris were found. Due to lack of evidence, and based on the testimony of both survivors, it was not possible to determine the exact cause of the engine failure.
