WRECKAGE OF PAN AM FLIGHT 526A FOUND 74 YEARS AFTER ATLANTIC CRASH

The wreckage of Pan American Airways Flight 526A has been located on the Atlantic Ocean floor off Puerto Rico, 74 years after the aircraft crashed. The Douglas DC-4 aircraft, known as the Clipper Endeavor, was discovered in June at a depth of approximately 2,000 feet by the Discovery Channel's Expedition Unknown series, working with the Air/Sea Heritage Foundation and other organisations. The search utilised high-resolution sonar and autonomous underwater drones operated by Deep Sea Vision. The plane took off from Puerto Rico on 11 April 1952, bound for Idlewild Airport, now known as JFK, in New York City, carrying 64 passengers and five crew members.

The aircraft crashed into the sea shortly after departure and broke into two sections. The immediate impact was survivable; all passengers and crew initially survived. However, 52 passengers subsequently drowned. Twelve passengers and all five crew members were rescued. The crash occurred when one engine on the right wing failed shortly after takeoff, prompting the pilots to attempt a return to San Juan Airport. A second right-wing engine then failed as the aircraft climbed to 550 feet, leading to the loss of control and descent into the ocean.

The disaster prompted significant changes in aviation safety practices. Pre-flight safety briefings and demonstrations of emergency procedures were instituted in the industry following the crash. Russ Matthews, president of the Air/Sea Heritage Foundation, stated that the discovery team was "stunned and elated" whilst remaining "humbled to remember what happened in that place so long ago".