Lockheed PV-1 Ventura

RAAF Museum

The aircraft was approaching to land after completing a handling display during an Open Day at RAAF Richmond. At an altitude of about 800 feet, on the base leg for runway 28, both engines stopped simultaneously and without warning. As there was insufficient altitude to reach the field for a power off landing, the flaps and landing gear were retracted and a successful forced landing carried out into a cleared field short of the airfield. The crew evacuated the aircraft without injury.

Aggadir Ltd

The crew was supposed to make a training flight from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale. En route, an electrical failure occurred and the crew became lost and disoriented. The aircraft continued to the southeast for about 1,800 km when both engines failed due to a fuel exhaustion. The crew was able to ditch the aircraft off Aruba Island. While all three occupants were rescued, the aircraft sank and was not recovered.

Inter Island Shipping Inc.

After takeoff from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport, while climbing, the pilot reported engine problems and was cleared to return. The airplane lost speed and height then struck trees and crashed in a swamp. Both occupants were killed.

Triple D Transport Company

The twin engine airplane departed Fort Lauderdale in the evening on a flight to the Dominican Republic. En route, while cruising by night, the crew informed ATC about the failure of all instruments. He apparently attempted to ditch the aircraft when it crashed into the sea about 20 nautical miles off Guantanamo Bay. Few debris were found floating on water and both occupants were killed.

World Photography Corporation

After a night landing at Belle Glade, the twin engine airplane overran, collided with trees and crashed in flames. The pilot, sole on board, evacuated the cabin and was not recovered by authorities. The flight was illegal and a load of 4,000 lbs of marijuana was found on board.

Equipment Specialists

Crashed in unknown circumstances, killing both pilots.

Red River Ranch Inc.

The crew was completing an illegal flight from Mexico to Reno. En route, the twin engine airplane crashed in unknown circumstances in the Yosemite National Park. SAR operations were initiated but eventually suspended after few days as no trace of the aircraft nor both occupants was found. Walkers found the wreckage in an isolated area on 14 June 1977.

Dallas Chapter

Crashed under unknown circumstances in the region of Culiacán Rosales while engaged in an illegal flight. Both crew members were killed.

Clark Aerial Service

The crew was engaged in a crop spraying mission in the region of Union Springs and departed Montgomery-Franklin Airport in the early morning. While flying at low height above a wooded area, the airplane struck tree tops and crashed in flames. The aircraft was destroyed and both crew members were killed.

Pioneer Ventura Aviation

Coming from Miami, Florida, the crew elected to land by night in an open field located in Chimichagua. On final, the twin engine airplane struck the ground and crashed in flames. The aircraft was destroyed and all three occupants were killed.