Avianca Flight 671 Crash in Jamaica

January 21st, 1960

January 21st, 1960

Avianca Flight 671 Crash in Jamaica
How Long Ago?

65 years, 1 month, 22 days ago

Location

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Category

Accidents & Tragedies

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Avianca Flight 671 Crash in Jamaica

Avianca Flight 671, a passenger flight from Colombia to Jamaica, crashed during its landing approach to Montego Bay. The aircraft, a Douglas DC-6, lost control and crashed just short of the runway, resulting in 37 fatalities, including crew and passengers. Only 5 survivors were rescued from the wreckage, leading to immediate investigations into the cause of the accident, which were attributed to poor weather conditions and pilot error.

Flight was a Douglas DC-6 from Colombia.

Only 5 out of 42 people survived the crash.

Poor weather conditions contributed to the accident.

Investigation led to changes in aviation safety protocols.

What Happened?

Avianca Flight 671 was en route from Colombia to Jamaica when tragedy struck shortly before landing at Sangster International Airport located in Montego Bay. The Douglas DC-6 aircraft, carrying a total of 42 individuals, encountered severe weather conditions, specifically low visibility due to fog. As the plane approached the airport, it lost altitude and crashed onto a field close to the runway, igniting a fire upon impact. First responders rushed to the scene, but the devastating outcome revealed that 37 out of the 42 people onboard had perished, leaving only 5 survivors who suffered significant injuries. The incident raised alarms regarding flight safety standards and weather-related protocols in aviation.Investigators from the Colombian government, along with experts from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, conducted an extensive inquiry into the circumstances leading to the crash. Their findings pointed to both adverse weather conditions and possible lapses in the crew’s execution of landing procedures. The implications of such a tragedy fueled discussions on improving flight operations and pilot training, particularly in challenging weather scenarios. The deep emotions felt by the victims' families contributed to a growing movement advocating for stricter aviation regulations both in Colombia and internationally.

Why Does it Matter?

The crash of Avianca Flight 671 highlighted critical vulnerabilities in aviation safety protocols, especially regarding adverse weather conditions. It served as a catalyst for improvements within the aviation industry, propelling the establishment of enhanced training for pilots in adverse weather scenarios. Additionally, the incident led to regulatory changes that aimed to minimize the risks associated with similar flights in the future, reinforcing the importance of prioritizing passenger safety.

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