National Airlines Flight 2511: A Domestic Tragedy Unfolds

On January 6, 1960, National Airlines Flight 2511, a routine United States domestic passenger service from New York City (specifically Idlewild Airport, now JFK) to Miami, Florida, met with a catastrophic and unforeseen disaster. The Douglas DC-6, a widely utilized four-engine propeller-driven airliner of its era, was approximately one hour and twenty-three minutes into its journey when it suffered a violent mid-air explosion over Bolivia, North Carolina. This sudden and devastating event resulted in the complete disintegration of the aircraft, scattering debris over a wide area.

The Ill-Fated Flight and Its Victims

The aircraft, a reliable workhorse for commercial aviation during the mid-20th century, was carrying a total of 34 individuals. This manifest included 5 dedicated crew members and 29 passengers, all embarking on what should have been a routine inter-state flight. Tragically, there were no survivors; all souls aboard perished in the incident, leaving a profound impact on the affected families and the broader American aviation community.

The Civil Aeronautics Board Investigation: A Bombing Confirmed

Immediately following the disaster, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) — the principal U.S. governmental agency responsible for aviation accident investigation at the time, serving as the precursor to the modern National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) — launched an extensive and thorough inquiry. Their meticulous examination of the recovered wreckage, which was spread across a vast debris field, and analysis of all available evidence ultimately led to a definitive and chilling conclusion: the Douglas DC-6 was brought down by an explosive device. The CAB determined that the explosion was caused by a bomb constructed from dynamite, a powerful explosive material, which had been planted within the passenger compartment. This finding marked one of the earliest instances of a commercial airliner being unequivocally confirmed as destroyed by an on-board bomb.

Despite this clear determination of the cause of the explosion, the subsequent criminal investigation proved exceptionally challenging and ultimately inconclusive. No criminal charges were ever formally filed in connection with the bombing of Flight 2511. Furthermore, the individual or individuals responsible for placing the deadly device, or their specific motivations, were never definitively identified or held accountable. While a leading theory, widely discussed and suspected by investigators, points to a suicide bombing as the motive, this remains an unconfirmed hypothesis due to a lack of irrefutable evidence. The absence of concrete proof for prosecution has left the case officially unsolved.

A Notable Loss: Vice Admiral Edward Orrick McDonnell

Among the victims of this tragic incident was Vice Admiral Edward Orrick McDonnell, a distinguished and highly decorated figure in American military history. A retired officer of the United States Navy, Vice Admiral McDonnell was a recipient of the prestigious Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government for valor in combat. His commendable service spanned both World War I and World War II, marking him as a veteran of two of the 20th century's most defining global conflicts. His loss underscored the widespread and profound impact of the tragedy on American society.

The Enduring Mystery: Investigation Status

More than six decades after the event, the investigation into the National Airlines Flight 2511 bombing officially remains open. This enduring status signifies that, despite the passage of time and numerous inquiries, law enforcement and investigative agencies have not reached a conclusive resolution regarding accountability for the act. The case stands as a lingering question mark over one of the earliest confirmed cases of aviation terrorism in U.S. history, with no one ever definitively charged or held responsible for the lives lost.

Frequently Asked Questions About National Airlines Flight 2511

What happened to National Airlines Flight 2511?

National Airlines Flight 2511, a Douglas DC-6, exploded in mid-air over Bolivia, North Carolina, on January 6, 1960. The Civil Aeronautics Board concluded that the explosion was caused by a bomb made of dynamite.

How many people died on National Airlines Flight 2511?

All 34 individuals aboard the aircraft, comprising 5 crew members and 29 passengers, perished in the incident.

Was the National Airlines Flight 2511 bombing ever solved?

No. Despite the determination that a bomb caused the explosion, no criminal charges were ever filed, and the blame for the bombing was never definitively determined. While a suicide bombing is suspected by investigators, this remains an unconfirmed hypothesis, and the investigation formally remains open.

Who was Edward Orrick McDonnell?

Edward Orrick McDonnell was a retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral and a highly decorated veteran. He was a recipient of the Medal of Honor and had served in both World War I and World War II. Tragically, he was one of the passengers who died aboard National Airlines Flight 2511.