Rome – Shannon – Gander – New York
Flight / Schedule
Rome – Shannon – Gander – New York
Aircraft
Douglas DC-7Registration
I-DUVO
MSN
45231
Year of Manufacture
1958
Operator
Alitalia - Linee Aeree ItalianeDate
February 26, 1960 at 12:00 AM
Type
CRASHFlight Type
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Flight Phase
Takeoff (climb)
Crash Site
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Crash Location
Shannon Munster
Region
Europe • Ireland
Coordinates
52.7059°, -8.9002°
Crash Cause
Technical failure
Narrative Report
On February 26, 1960 at 12:00 AM, Rome – Shannon – Gander – New York experienced a crash involving Douglas DC-7, operated by Alitalia - Linee Aeree Italiane, with the event recorded near Shannon Munster.
The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.
52 people were known to be on board, 34 fatalities were recorded, 18 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 65.4%.
Crew on board: 12, crew fatalities: 11, passengers on board: 40, passenger fatalities: 23, other fatalities: 0.
The listed crash cause is technical failure. Shortly after takeoff from runway 05, while climbing to a height of 165 feet, the pilote started a turn to the left according to departure procedures. While turning, the airplane lost height, causing the left wing tip to struck a stone wall located near the Clonloghan church. Out of control, the aircraft crashed in flames in an open field and was completely destroyed upon impact. Eleven of the 12 crew members were killed as well as 23 passengers. Eighteen people were seriously wounded.
Aircraft reference details include registration I-DUVO, MSN 45231, year of manufacture 1958.
Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately 52.7059°, -8.9002°.
Fatalities
Total
34
Crew
11
Passengers
23
Other
0
Crash Summary
Shortly after takeoff from runway 05, while climbing to a height of 165 feet, the pilote started a turn to the left according to departure procedures. While turning, the airplane lost height, causing the left wing tip to struck a stone wall located near the Clonloghan church. Out of control, the aircraft crashed in flames in an open field and was completely destroyed upon impact. Eleven of the 12 crew members were killed as well as 23 passengers. Eighteen people were seriously wounded.
Cause: Technical failure
Occupants & Outcome
Crew On Board
12
Passengers On Board
40
Estimated Survivors
18
Fatality Rate
65.4%
Known people on board: 52
Operational Details
Schedule / Flight
Rome – Shannon – Gander – New York
Operator
Alitalia - Linee Aeree ItalianeFlight Type
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Flight Phase
Takeoff (climb)
Crash Site
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Region / Country
Europe • Ireland
Aircraft Details
Similar Plane Crashes
Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd
Vickers FB.27 Vimy Commercial
British aviators John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown were performing one of the first transatlantic crossflight from the US to Europe. The aircraft departed Saint John’s-Lester Field, Newfoundland, on 14JUN1919 at 1345LT. Following an uneventful flight of 15 hours and 57 minutes at an altitude of 12,000 feet and at an average speed of 185 km/h, both pilots reached the Irish coast on the morning of June 15. While landing in an open field located in Clifden, Galway, the twin engine aircraft nosed down and came to rest. Both pilots were slightly injured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Irish Air Corps - Aer Chór na hÉireann
De Havilland DH.9
The crew was completing a local training flight at Fermoy Aerodrome. The accident occurred in unknown circumstances. While the pilot was seriously injured, the observer was killed. Crew: Lt McCullogh, pilot, Lt John Francis McDonagh, observer. †
Irish Air Corps - Aer Chór na hÉireann
De Havilland DH.60 Moth
Shortly after takeoff, while climbing, the aircraft went out of control and crashed, killing the pilot, sole on board.
Irish Air Corps - Aer Chór na hÉireann
De Havilland DH.60 Moth
The crew was engaged in a local training mission at Baldonnel-Casement AFB. On final approach, the aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances, injuring both pilots.
Iona National Airways
De Havilland DH.60 Moth
The single engine airplane departed Kildonan Aerodrome in Finglas with one passenger and one pilot on board. In unknown circumstances, the aircraft crashed on the roof of a farm located in Bundoran, Ulster. Both occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed. Crew: L. S. Coogan, pilot. Passenger: J. Doherty.
Macfadden Publications
Lockheed 8 Sirius/Altair
The pilot Lou Reichers departed Harbour Grace on a new record solo flight to Paris. While cruising over Ireland, he encountered an unexpected situation and was forced to ditch the airplane in the Bandon River off Kinsale, south Ireland. He was rescued by the crew of 'USS President Roosevelt' while the airplane sank and was lost.
