Sabena Crash 1946
Drawing of Sabena OO-CBG by Fernand Van de Plas of Belguim
On September 18, 1946 the first worldwide major civilian airline crash of an aeroplane, took place in Gander, Newfoundland. The stories we relate below are from news articles, personal experiences, research and official documentation of the rescue from US Coast Guard reports.
Two things of note; this was the first use of helicopters in a civilian aviation rescue operation in the world. The cemetery located at the crash site named St. Martin-In-The Woods was so titled in honour of Dr. Samuel Martin, a military doctor. Dr. Martin worked tirelessly at the scene of the accident helping the injured and was responsible for the saving of many lives.
Crash Location
Sabena Crash, St. Martin-in-the Woods
Sabena Crash Rescue Avoids Disaster
Probable Final Flight Path of OO-CBG
Obituary of a Sabena Crash Victim
Information On Another Sabena Passenger
Voices From The Wreckage - Downhome Life magazine article
"St. Martin's" Survivor John King
USCG CDR Stewart Graham - Helio Pilot # 2
CBC News Reports From The Past
They Arrived At The Crash Scene First
Rogers TV production of 1946 Sabena Crash (video)
70th Anniversary Ceremony (video)
We would like to thank the US Coast Guard Association and Lt. Col. Ted Morris USAF (retired) for their cooperation.
