Avianca Flight 671, registered as HK-177, was a tragic aviation incident involving a Lockheed L-1049E Super Constellation aircraft that crashed and subsequently caught fire upon landing at Montego Bay, Jamaica, on January 21, 1960. This devastating event holds the somber distinction of being the worst accident in Jamaican aviation history, a grim record that remains unbroken to this day.

The ill-fated flight had commenced its journey from Miami International Airport in Florida, operating as part of Avianca's established route network, which connected Miami to Montego Bay and further to Bogotá, Colombia. The Lockheed L-1049E Super Constellation, a prominent four-engine propeller-driven airliner of its era, known for its distinctive triple-tail design and long-range capabilities, was a workhorse for Avianca on these international routes. The "Super Constellation" was an extended and more powerful version of the original "Constellation," signifying its enhanced capacity and performance for commercial passenger service.

Upon its approach and landing at Montego Bay's Sir Donald Sangster International Airport (then known simply as Montego Bay Airport), the aircraft experienced an extremely hard landing. This severe impact led to the catastrophic collapse of the main landing gear. The structural integrity of the aircraft was compromised, causing fuel lines to rupture and ignite, engulfing the plane in a fierce fire. Rescue efforts were initiated immediately, but the intensity of the blaze made it exceedingly difficult to save those trapped inside.

Out of the 46 individuals aboard, comprising both passengers and crew, a devastating 37 lost their lives in the crash and subsequent fire. This left only 9 survivors, many of whom sustained serious injuries. The scale of the fatalities underscored the severity of the impact and fire, making it a profoundly tragic day for commercial aviation and a significant loss of life.

Investigation and Probable Cause

The subsequent investigation into Avianca Flight 671's crash concluded that the probable cause was the failure of the flight crew to adhere to the prescribed landing procedures, which resulted in an excessively hard landing. This hard landing, rather than a mechanical failure of the landing gear itself, was identified as the direct cause of the gear's collapse. Factors such as a high rate of descent and an improper flare before touchdown were likely contributing elements to the abnormal impact force experienced by the aircraft.

Key Details of Avianca Flight 671

What was Avianca Flight 671?

Avianca Flight 671 was a Lockheed L-1049E Super Constellation commercial passenger flight (registration HK-177) that tragically crashed on landing at Montego Bay, Jamaica.

When did Avianca Flight 671 crash?

The accident occurred on January 21, 1960.

Where did Avianca Flight 671 originate from and where was it going?

The flight originated from Miami International Airport, Florida, and was bound for Montego Bay, Jamaica, as part of a route continuing to Bogotá, Colombia.

How many people died in the Avianca Flight 671 crash?

A total of 37 out of 46 passengers and crew members perished in the accident, making it the worst aviation disaster in Jamaican history.

What type of aircraft was involved in Avianca Flight 671?

The aircraft was a Lockheed L-1049E Super Constellation, known for its distinctive design and use as a long-range airliner.

What was the probable cause of the Avianca Flight 671 crash?

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the flight crew's failure to follow prescribed landing procedures, leading to an excessively hard landing and subsequent landing gear collapse and fire.