El Al Israel Airlines

Lockheed L-049 Constellation

The aircraft took off at 2015 GMT on 26 July from London for Tel Aviv with stops at Paris and Vienna. On 27 July it departed (0253 hours) Vienna with an estimated time of arrival over Belgrade of 0436 hours. While in the area of the Yugoslav-Bulgarian border at an altitude of approximately 18,000 feet the aircraft was fired upon by two Bulgarian fighters. Following two more attacks the aircraft broke up in mid-air at an altitude of 2,000 feet and fell to the ground in flames at a point 3,5 km southeast of the junction of the Rivers Strumica and Strumon in Bulgarian territory near the Bulgarian-Greek border. All 58 occupants have been killed.

Douglas DC-4

On final approach to Zurich-Kloten Airport, the pilot-in-command did not realize his altitude was insufficient due to poor visibility caused by night and foggy conditions. The four engine aircraft hit tree tops and crashed in flames in a wooded area located about 5 km north of the runway 16 threshold. The aircraft was destroyed by a post crash fire and six crew members were killed while a seventh occupant was injured. Crew: Cpt Theodore Gibson, pilot, † Cpt Robert Constant, copilot, † George Henninger, navigator, † Morgen Jensen, † Terence Melly, copilot, † Shlomo Levity, † Michael Querzia, radio operator.

Douglas C-54 Skymaster

During the takeoff roll, the aircraft skidded, went out of control, veered off runway and came to rest in flames. All 50 occupants were quickly rescued and few of them were slightly injured while the aircraft was destroyed.

Curtiss C-46 Commando

At liftoff, the airplane went out of control and crashed in flames. All 13 occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed by several explosions as it was carrying land-mines on behalf of the Israeli Air Force.