TWA Flight 260

TWA Flight 260 was the Trans World Airlines (TWA) designation for a flight from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Santa Fe, New Mexico in the 1950s. On February 19, 1955, the 40 passenger, Martin 4-0-4 prop plane used by TWA for that route crashed into the Sandia Mountains. Initially believed to be the result of pilot error, the cause was revised to imply that the crash was the result of instrument failure. On February 19, 1955 at 7:03 am, TWA flight 26... more

TWA Flight 260 was the Trans World Airlines (TWA) designation for a flight from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Santa Fe, New Mexico in the 1950s. On February 19, 1955, the 40 passenger, Martin 4-0-4 prop plane used by TWA for that route crashed into the Sandia Mountains. Initially believed to be the result of pilot error, the cause was revised to imply that the crash was the result of instrument failure. On February 19, 1955 at 7:03 am, TWA flight 260 en route from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Santa Fe, New Mexico received an IFR clearance from the Albuquerque tower ("ATC clears TWA 260 for approach at the Santa Fe Airport via Victor 19 climb northbound on the back course of the ILS localizer"). There were no further communications after the aircraft took off at 7:05. It was last seen in a high speed shallow climb toward the cloud-shrouded Sandia Ridge at an estimated altitude of 3,000 feet. At 7:13 the flight crashed into the Sandia Mountains killing all 13 passengers and three crew... less