Narrative:The RCAF Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar was one of two engaged in delivering DHC-3 Otter aircraft for UN duty at El Arish, Egypt.
On its return journey to Canada, it was loaded with the remains of another RCAF Otter 3744 (msn 185) that had crashed at Gaza on 19 September 1958.
The C-119 landed at Athens, Greece to refuel prior to continuing on to Pisa, Italy. While over Italys Northern Apennins mountain range, the aircraft encountered a severe winter snow storm with heavy icing. The aircraft could not maintain altitude and the pilot made the decision to attempt a forced landing. The aircraft hit trees and crashed into hilly terrain near the Italian village of
Minozzo. All seven on board survived. The Flying Boxcar, and Otter it was carrying, were both written off.
Sources:
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dhc-3archive.com»
Volume III Of The Historical Record Of Number 6 Tactical Control Center RCAF, Metz, Moselle, France Period From 1 Dec 58 To 31 May 59.
Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does
not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Athens-Ellinikon International Airport to Pisa International Airport as the crow flies is 1283 km (802 miles).
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.