ALM Flight 980, Aviation accident in the Caribbean Sea

ALM Flight 980 was a scheduled flight that became infamous for ditching in the Caribbean Sea on May 2, 1970.

The ditching of ALM Flight 980 remains one of the deadliest incidents involving a McDonnell Douglas DC-9 aircraft.

The incident of ALM Flight 980 has been analyzed in aviation safety training to improve emergency responses.

Survivors of ALM Flight 980 were rescued from the sea after a challenging operation by ships and aircraft.

ALM Flight 980 is notable for being the first commercial jetliner to run out of fuel and ditch in open waters.

• GPS coordinates: 18.00000,-64.00000
• Latest update: August 31, 2026 12:29