Savoia-Marchetti SM.73

SABENA - Société Anonyme Belge d'Exploitation de la Navigation Aérienne

The three engine aircraft was hot by German Flak while performing a flight from Brussels to London on behalf of the RAF 271st Squadron. A crewmen was killed while both others were injured.

Ala Littoria

While overflying the Tyrrhenian sea by night on a night flight from Catania to Rome, the crew was unaware that his altitude was insufficient and did not sea the volcano Stromboli. The three engine aircraft hit the south slope of the Stromboli volcano and was totally destroyed. First rescuers arrived on the scene the next morning and all 14 occupants were killed.

SABENA - Société Anonyme Belge d'Exploitation de la Navigation Aérienne

On the leg from Düsseldorf to Berlin, while cruising at an altitude of 5,000 feet in fog and rain, the aircraft went out of control, dove into the ground and crashed in a field. All 20 occupants were killed. Crew: Joseph Vanden Eynde, pilot, André Edmond Moulin, copilot, Josef Baus, radio operator, Charles Deleusse, engineer.

CSA Czech Airlines - Ceskoslovenské Státní Aerolinie

The approach to Strasbourg Airport was completed in low visibility due to foggy conditions. While descending, the three engine aircraft hit tree tops and crashed in a wooded area located in Oberkirch, some 20 km east of Strasbourg. The stewardess was seriously injured while all 16 other occupants were killed. A day later, the only survivor died from her injuries. Crew: Karel Brabenec, pilot, Bedrich Soukup, copilot, Alois Krahulec, navigator, M. Krautnerová, stewardess.

Ala Littoria

On final approach to Wadi Halfa Airport by night, the crew elected to make a go around for unknown reasons. The aircraft stalled and crashed short of runway, killing all eight occupants. Crew: Mr. Mondi, pilot, Mr. Gallatti, copilot, Mr. Damiani, engineer, Mr. Carcavallo, radio navigator. Passengers: Mr. Blanetti, Mr. Tavoletti, Mr. Cohen, Mrs. Lucienne Pottier. Sincere thanks to Mr. Frédéric Thomas, son of Mrs. Pottier.

SABENA - Société Anonyme Belge d'Exploitation de la Navigation Aérienne

Crew started the approach to Croydon in poor visibility due to clouds and at sunset. While flying too low, the three engine aircraft hit tree tops, stalled and crashed into flames in a wooded area located some 13 km short of runway, near Tatsfield. All eleven occupants were killed. Crew: Jean Schroonbroodt, pilot, Jean Desmet, radio navigator, Alphonse Verbinnen, engineer, Raymond Strechfuss, steward.

SABENA - Société Anonyme Belge d'Exploitation de la Navigation Aérienne

On landing, went out of control, veered off runway and came to rest. While all four crew members were unhurt, the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. The exact cause of the mishap is unknown.