Zurich – Geneva – Shannon – Gander – New York

On December 13, 1950 at 06:00 AM, Zurich – Geneva – Shannon – Gander – New York experienced a crash involving Douglas DC-4, operated by Swissair, with the event recorded near Sydney Nova Scotia.

The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

31 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 31 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 0.0%.

Crew on board: 11, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 20, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. While approaching Gander in poor weather conditions, ATC instructed the crew to divert to Sydney, Nova Scotia. On final approach, the aircraft was too low and hit three approach lights. Immediately, the pilot in command increased power but as both left engines were damaged by obstacle impact, they failed to respond properly. As a result, the left wing stalled and the aircraft crashed in flames few dozen yards short of runway. All 31 occupants were able to evacuate the cabin and the crew extinguished the fire. Unfortunately, thirty minutes later, another fire erupted on the left side of the aircraft, partially destroying the airplane. Carrying 2,5 tons of cargo, the aircraft christened 'Zürich' was performing a regular schedule flight from Zurich to New York via Geneva, Shannon and Gander.

Aircraft reference details include registration HB-ILE, MSN 43073, year of manufacture 1947.

Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately 46.1382°, -60.1942°.