78 Years Later! The Tragic Story of the Sabena Plane Crash (Short Documentary)

[@fr-tigerfangs7039]

Thanks mate for your kindness in exploring this sacred site and showing respect to the dead.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thank you!

[@stickynorth]

This has got to be one of the rarest aviation sites on earth. Good thing Newfoundland is remote and isn't like to see many tourists here to gawk and destroy what's left. Surreal to be able to walk into the actual plane and stand where people perished, not to mention to see their graves on site like that. Great video!

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Glad you enjoyed! I have another video just like this one coming soon

[@StevenVanLoven]

as a belgian , I like to thank you to bring this in the attention and the "respect you present" ! thanks

[@dedriapettus9637]

Had never heard of this before… so amazing that it’s still there! Thank you for sharing!

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Your welcome! Glad you watched and enjoyed it

[@bsage5514]

Just Incredible that it still remains. It looks like the trek to reach the site was an adventure in of itself. The weather can be unforgving. This was VERY interesting Brent. Thank you for the EXTRA effort on this one and for the Total RESPECT you have shown while making this vid.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks so much! It was an adventure but so worth it! Can’t wait to go back to the island

[@dawnstanley1733]

​@@AbandonedUrbexCanada Where have you been?? I have missed your videos.

[@irenewatts2874]

Thank you Brent for sharing this really interesting human interest story. WOW you had some trek going up to the crash site. Thank you for having respect you have shown these people who perished on that dreadful day. It’s good they buried these people here and made a memorial to them. That guy David had some good info on how they made the memorial. It’s too bad that the graveyard isn’t kept up. I was really surprised that they left the wreckage there. As you said it would have been difficult getting it down the mountain. Again thank you for sharing this story with us Brent. Keep safe and stay well.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

@@irenewatts2874thanks Irene! Glad you enjoyed it

[@robvasey4149]

I'm a Canadian, admittedly not from Newfoundland, but I never heard about this tragedy.

[@tegg.7958]

Excellent, respectful, and fiercely moving. I cried for the strangers, who died here 78 years ago. I cried more for the survivors, who had to wait for rescue in this remote place in way less technologically advanced times. The feeling of desperation in a ghastly scene, injured and traumatized from being in a plane crash, is beyond my ability to comprehend. I hope that all the survivors were able to conquer their injuries and PTSD, to live out happy, peaceful lives. Tonight, I will light candles in honor of everyone on board.

[@bubbleglass]

I've never heard of this incident... Thank you for covering it and memorializing the people who passed. ❤

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thank you!

[@abqcleve]

Beautiful memorial; thanks for producing this. Sobering to read the names of the perished and the survivors. I don't know how it would have been possible to survive while waiting that long for rescue. RIP to those who didn't make it and deep appreciation for the rescuers who worked so hard and faithfully.

[@Spitts44]

I worked as a Flight Engineer in 103 Search and Rescue Squadron based in Gander. I've been to this site many times via helicopter and it has historical significance as well as being a grave site. I've walk through it. Very sad. RIP.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thank you for your service. I tried to find a heli to fly me it but it was very costly. Atv was my best bet. Where did all the trees go? Died or cut down?

[@Spitts44]

@AbandonedUrbexCanada that area can become very wet and windy so trees don't tend to fair well. A lot of the surrounding terrain is pretty much bog and barren especially in the lower lying areas. If you were to go Southwest a few km it literally turns into tundra with zero trees. Ya quite a trip on an ATV. Where did you leave from and how long did it take you to get there? Cancel that question. I just saw your route. I recognized a few landmarks for sure.

[@tntkitty3595]

@Spitts44 What year was this?

[@HFX1955]

Newfoundland was not part of Canada in 1946, having joined in 1949. There were still American military bases in Argentia and Stephenville which explains the helicopters and PBY Catalina shown in the film. Helicopters were still very new in 1946. I doubt there are many cemeteries in the world right at the crash site where the victims lost their lives.

[@ytuser0449]

The RCAF did use PBYs as well, and we actually produced them too. Canadian PBYs were called Cansos.

[@Johnny_Guitar]

@@ytuser0449 Yes, they were built both in Vancouver and Montreal at the time in 1944.

[@MartinHarvey]

A Canso flew over my house this Sunday past - from CWH in Hamilton, ON

[@mimzyc9949]

Thank you for sharing this. It is incredible that so many people were rescued given the remote location. It’s also amazing that it was decided to bury those that died right there.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching

[@bunnykittycat]

I never knew avout this tragedy until your excellent and respectful video. Nearly 80 yrs ago, but still moves a person to tears today.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it

[@janicesperry7780]

Wow thank you for sharing this with us. So sad but what a beautiful place to be buried in. Thank God there were hunters in the area who helped the survivors.

[@Anton_16]

Thanks for this great video. It is incredible that so much of the plane and its crash can still be seen after so many years. I had to think of the survivors who had to hope for help in the solitude, some of them certainly seriously wounded and alone in the wilderness, surrounded by the passengers who did not survive the crash. That's a terrible idea. I'm glad you handled the topic so sensitively and with dignity. I had the impression that the dead in your video were being honored and that many people were now remembering them.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks I appreciate this 👌🏻

[@johncraig9869]

It's sad see the lack of upkeep at the cemetery

[@normangiven6436]

It is too remote for any kind of upkeep. It's just lost to time and history. I imaging just getting the markers there was a challenge.

[@TheRandompaint]

​@@normangiven6436 you see the tire tracks right next to the plane right? If it's accessible from a side by side it wouldn't be too hard to throw a weed Wacker in it

[@pdmacguire]

Who is going to maintain it, bears?

[@normangiven6436]

@@pdmacguire Visitors. Bring something to the dance. Do a little work, many hands can work miracles and show some measure of respect.

[@danielzdanowicz6899]

I was five months old when this happened. I am now 78 years old. So the time span of this event is very clear to me in my mind. Your respectful and compassionate tour of this site was very nice. I am impressed how well the remains of the wreckage are still fairly well identifiable - considering the lapse of time. I think it was a fine tribute to those who died and lay there now for eternity. It was also nice that you provided a comprehensive video tour of this sacred site for the folks our age that would never be able to make such a trek.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Hey thanks Daniel! I appreciate the message. I'm glad you enjoyed the video

[@clairefunnell8481]

What a tragedy Brent. I didnt know about this. Should be cared foe. Rip to the souls who passed away. Real nice to put a monument there. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ckswat77zz51]

Oh Brent, this was incredible. What a solemn place. What an incredible historical event. I hope the cemetery can be taken care of again. I never heard of a cemetery right at the crash site. But it makes sense because of the terrain & it was only the 40’s. That helicopter was something. I wonder what year that was made. How wonderful that they did that monument too.

[@vickisawyer7405]

I never heard of this until now, so tragic. I remember a few plane trips I took in South America and prayed and crossed my fingers. But truthfully, I don't see anything wrong with nature taking the area back, even the little cemetery. People don't need to go all that way to remember their loved ones. Just my opinion. It was woods and grass before the wreck, and it will be again. Thank you so much for the video and the effort it took to get there.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks Vicki!

[@Kayakfishingontario]

Outstanding video sir. Was funny meeting you there and glad I did.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks David! Nice meeting you and your crew up there 🫡

[@garyoliver9987]

Respect!

[@secretdaisy6484]

That was a lovely tribute. So kind of those who made and placed the memorial ❤️‍🩹✈️🪦. 👍☮️🌞

[@asilversurfer4372]

A sad tale, it's a shame that the cemetery is overgrown but can understand why, being in a remote place & most families will have passed away. Glad you went & found the plane.

[@themobseat]

There's no reason for the cemetery to be overgrown, the prisons are full of men with plenty of free time.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Great idea 👍🏻

[@canadianlady8034]

I am from NL and I am so happy you covered this! Enjoy the rock while you are there... lots of abandoned houses in NL. Again thanks for sharing!

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

I love Newfoundland. Had such a great time there. Will be back again for sure

[@motorv8N]

Thank you for covering this tragic story and taking us along to the site. Great job to the crew who built that monument.

[@Alext165]

Amazing story and brilliantly presented by you.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Hey thank you!

[@danadelaplante6797]

Never knew about this history. So impressive how you made the trek there. So thankful for this awesome channel and explorer.🍁🍁✨✨💖💖

[@JennyT372]

Thank you for your efforts to show us this sad scene. It seems fitting that it's all left for nature to soften the edges, even in the cemetery. I can't even imagine the horror of being a survivor and waiting for help to come.

[@yoranw4608]

*Absolutely incredible!* And made with a lot of respect. CONGRATULATIONS!

[@rogerp6903]

Thanks for bringing us along on your adventure,although horrific it is fascinating to see how durable aluminum is after all these years.Respect to those that passed away in this crash

[@louipchajek8410]

Very interesting and it's a shame that the cemetery has been forgotten. And the old news footage is just dandy. The people that made the monument worked hard to build it so that the crash would not be forgotten

[@joshmargolis6738]

The Short for this video brought me to your channel. This was an amazing video. Much respect. Keep up the great work. The world needs to know about more places like this. For most Americans, aviation accidents from the 40s don't have much draw but this is right up my alley. Thank you for this story and video.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks Josh! Glad you found my channel and happy you enjoyed this one. I have more like this coming

[@RB-sy1oz]

Another great explore albeit a sad one. Thank you Brent for going out of your way to tell this story. It’s always great when you post❤️

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Hey thanks so much! 👍🏻

[@gillwyatt8103]

Wow Brent ,that was incredibly moving. As someone else commented, you don't post as regularly as some but what you do is always great. Thank you for all the effort you put in to bring us these extraordinary videos .Gill 🇬🇧

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks Gill 👍🏻

[@cindyrussell1581]

Good to see yr shows again. R.I.P to all. A very sad story.🌹🕊️🌹🕊️🇨🇦

[@alaingadbois2276]

Incredible site! What intrigues me is the disappearance of the dense forest seen in the 1946 picture.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Same! Trees are gone

[@MarkSquires-qk9me]

Logging , there was a pulp &paper mill in Grand Falls-Windsor close to Gander

[@IcelanderUSer]

You would think they’d be required to replant the same trees that were / are removed. And not just leave it barren.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

@@IcelanderUSerI was told the trees died off over the years. Swampy area

[@theadventuresofjavier8698]

Forever rest in peace Thank you for posting this video I never heard of it until today 😢

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Glad you enjoyed it 🫡

[@lenoraeaton]

Awesome story Brent!! Thanks!👍😊

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thank you!

[@lizzieb6311]

Thank you for bringing this to us. I appreciate that the site continues to serve as a monument to those lost and injured in this tragedy. It’s quite eerie. The monument they placed there is lovely. That they integrated the prop is appropriate.

[@lindawirag9962]

So good of you to keep the memory of the this plane crash, the survivors and those who perished alive.

[@megmills4798]

So happy to see a podcast by you it is like a breath of fresh air pray you are well

[@UranusfromBrussels]

My grandmother’s brother Leopold was co-pilot on that plane. Up to this day (she’s 93 with all her head) she still has a tough time talking about this accident. 😢 Thank you for the video 👌

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Oh wow, thanks for sharing this. Did she see the video I did?

[@StevenTanghe]

The co pilot was Léopold Verstraeten, oldest son of eleven children and godfather of his young sister and my mother. She had seen a small part allready and was very emotionned... She lost her brother when She was sixteen. Next sunday we will all celebrate her 94th anniversary and we will show her the whole vidéo. She still has two sisters and two Brothers living. They all will be very emmotionned seeing your vidéo ! Thank you so much Steven

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

@@StevenTanghethanks for the info! I wish her a happy birthday 🎉 I’m sure it will be emotional if she watches the video

[@mfsperring]

You know if you never do another video this one would make me subscribe. Very moving. Thank you for sharing this.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed this one

[@viviannefraser5974]

Newfoundlanders are an amazing people. I have great respect for their humanitarianism they have shown strangers! Obviously in this situation but also during 911 when Gander took in so many strangers that could not land where they were destined in the USA and provided for their needs until they could carry on!!! If you are not aware of what entailed I encourage you to check it out!!!

[@linato1855]

This was incredibly sad to watch and very touching that the bodies were left to rest where they perished. This reminded me of a plane crash several decades ago near Hwy 7 and Gore Rd. between Malton and Woodbridge. Can’t remember the details on this one. Thanks Brent for another interesting find. Take care…👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻

[@meatpopsicle1567]

Not a piston, but a valve. Great video.

[@joc269]

Thanks for being so respectful of this site. Very cool to see you exploring Atlantic Canadian spots, from a long time viewer in Prince Edward Island.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. I’ll be heading out there in the future

[@LeRoi715]

Thank you , Brent!

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Welcome!

[@debralavorata546]

Fascinating and tragic story,rest in peace those buried here 💐🕊️,great find thanks bret

[@EternallyThankful-os6pz]

Nice , personable job on this video...I've never heard of the event - thanks for covering this so thoroughly yet respectfully.

[@bergenpines1]

Great video Brent! Enjoyed tremendously! You may not do lots of videos, but the ones you do are the best thank you!

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thank you!

[@OFCbigduke613]

Awesome editing, music, and presentation. No drama or over exaggerating. I subbed on the first video I saw here. Thx man.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Hey I appreciate this comment thank you! Glad you found my channel 👍🏻

[@709stef]

I've been living in Newfoundland sind 08 and I never heard of this story before

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Go check it out 😁👍🏻

[@l.l.2463]

Very well done. Thank you Brent!

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks!

[@dlodge4966]

Such beautiful footage of the travel there. I have a whole new respect for your work. This was an absolute wonderful tribute to those souls.

[@BarryRudge]

I was born 2 months after this crash and will be 78 in a few weeks so I can understand perhaps only grandchildren of those killed would still be alive.

[@AILDgURL]

This is an incredible find, but also so sad, but a beautiful monument, it's too bad no one is around to take care of the area anymore.

[@irenea2006]

Incredible story. Thank you for including the old news footage.

[@Jennifermcintyre]

Wow! I would have so much trouble visiting my loved ones grave and see the site of their violent tragic deaths. It must be incredibly remote to never relocate the victims. 😢 it surely would have been so much worse if not for the hunters.

[@mdapda89]

Lots of places in newfoundland is pretty remote

[@michellelong9005]

Interesting and very sad, thank you for the story.

[@rogertemple7193]

This was really sad to hear about this crash and the many lives that was lost in it and to see the wreckage is still there have a good weekend thank you.☕👋🇨🇦

[@jerryconnors8663]

Thank you for this video and presenting it in a most respectful manner. 🙏🏻

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

You’re welcome! Thanks!

[@lisabarr6004]

Thank you! Amazing story and a beautiful tribute ♡. God love the Newfoundlanders! Such kind-hearted people. All the best from Ottawa 🇨🇦

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Hey thank you!

[@tomlee7651]

The first generation morns the loss, the second generation remembers, the third generation forgets.

[@dvardeman]

Thank you for this. I just discovered you channel. Though I don't actually doing it, visiting and exploring abandoned places really strikes a chord with me. Were I younger and freer, I'd like to do this very thing.

[@Dav3Campb3ll]

Incredible video Really appreciate looking into this

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it

[@dawnstanley1733]

​@@AbandonedUrbexCanada How long did it take you to get to the site?

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

@@dawnstanley17332 hours one way in a 4x4 (atv side by side) but we stopped a lot lol

[@mkbarber65]

Thank you for sharing this. I didn’t know it existed. Hopefully this raises awareness and maybe the cemetery will get looked after

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

You’re welcome!

[@timheller8475]

Wow, thank you for bringing us along to this place with you, very sad and solemn place, almost need a Sherp to get up there

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Sherp would be cool!

[@debraclark9296]

An very sad story, thank you for sharing

[@ianwilliamson7703]

So sad to see this, I wasn’t aware of this incident. Would it be possible for the authorities, to tidy up the cemetery and plane, so as to preserve this sacred site. We all love your channel, such amazing content 🏆🏆🏆

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks!

[@Elmer-hf1je]

Nicely done , and showing great respect for the poor souls that died and also respect for the ones that survived as well as the rescue teams who toiled in bad conditions to achieve the best outcome!

[@sirclarkmarz]

That wasn't a piston that was a valve the Pistons in those engines are about the size of a coffee can .

[@candacejackson5044]

Such a sad story. I'm glad they gave the deceased a proper burial there. The monument was amazing to be built, especially so remotely.

[@StirlingLighthouse]

Thank you Brent 🙏

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

You’re welcome!

[@elsacruz6124]

Great but sad video.. thank you for sharing 😊

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thank you!

[@stevefraser9886]

Thanks for making this video, I had never heard of this event before and its amazing to see the site as it exists today. Thanks for keeping their story alive. Ive been reading about the rescue efforts and the amazing story of how they used the available resources of the time to get it done.

[@nancybarnett2832]

So very sad.

[@forgottenindiana.5991]

Great video Brent. You made me cry. Thanks so much for sharing

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thank you! It was a tear jerker for sure 🥹

[@babayaga6615]

Great vid very touching and interesting, tyvm.

[@kathyfreeman5281]

Thank you

[@DoingStuffwithBobVZ]

Thank you very much for presenting this video, and particularly for doing so with such compassion and respect. I am a retired US Coast Guard officer and I’d never heard of this accident or of the involvement of our USCG aircraft in the rescue effort. Kudos to the search and rescue squadron that constructed the memorial. I wonder if the squadron or some other group would be willing to periodically go up there with string trimmers and such to knock back the overgrowth in the cemetery.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Hey thanks so much for the comment! Glad you enjoyed this one. I hope someone cleans it up once in a while. Very challenging getting up there

[@SuperZimzoom]

Very well presented and most of all respectful to the lives lost and those injured in this crash! Fascinating and informative piece of aviation history. Well done and may they rest in peace and remain in our memories as a result of your endeavor.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed this one

[@THESHAODOWCAMPER]

Thank you for sharing this adventure with us.

[@andrefiset3569]

A WW2 aircraft crashed on the Montagne Noire in Quebec and it took 2 years and a half to locate the crash site, of course the 24 occupants died a long time ago. Now a famous hiking site.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

On my way 👍🏻

[@ahill4642]

Great job, Brent, as usual. Respectful and informative and interesting. What a great monument they erected.

[@michelleyoung8036]

Interesting, intriguing, and another amazing video! Great Job, Brent!

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks so much Michelle! 😁

[@MrTonyPiscatelle]

Somewhat surreal but a good video . I had never heard of this crash as most likely others had not either. Nice job !

[@TheNelsonfromnelson]

great story, Brent!

[@lldanall7352]

The growth in and around the plane itself is very young, only a few years at most. The cemetery wasn’t the only area kept tidy all those years.

[@jilldavis7229]

Absolutely amazing!!! Yes…quite the trek up there!!! That aircraft shouldn’t have even been flying in that weather!!! Poor pilot didn’t have a chance 😔😥 My husband is a certified A & P Mechanic…I had him watch this with me! He thoroughly enjoyed it!!! He had many comments on how things are different now days, rules & regulations! Canada does have similar rules & regulations as the US, but not certain about Belgium & especially back then! Thank you sooo very much for taking the time & all of your effort to make this trip to the crash site!!! May all lost, rest in peace 👍🙏❤️

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thank you very much!

[@LadyHeathersLair]

I grew up in Newfoundland and have NEVER heard of this! I knew about the American military plane that crashed near Gander Lake, but not this.

[@jouvellemcwatters169]

Wow, what a sad part of history this is. Thanks for sharing.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Your welcome! Thank you

[@chugfoose7077]

Wow thanks for the awesome video!!!!

[@judygibson760]

Absolutely fascinating!! I’ve never heard this story. Thank you so much for telling the story!! RIP to all those that perished.

[@ab_2a__]

May they all rest in peace. Thanks for this video. Great as usual ✨

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks so much!

[@chrismanspeaker9372]

I've got a TWA crash site in the mountains near me. Can still visit the site and some of the wreckage is still there from 1955.

[@joannefazenbaker1448]

Thanks for the history on this. Sad for the lost. Survivors must be up in years now. Mother nature taking over...

[@dinnes3375]

WOW! Thanks for doing this. Great job.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thank you!

[@carolb29]

wow what an incredible story. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@40cleco]

I think it was the first time helicopters were used to rescue people. They were disassembled in the states and flown to Gander, reassembled then flown to the site. They could not fly victims back to Gander, only to a nearby pond and picked up by Canso flying boats. This took several days. There are several books written about this event. It was a hugh undertaking at the time...

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Yes correct

[@stanurquhart1542]

It is my understanding that Jimmy Shannahan from Sydney, NS, Eastern Flying Service brought his Bell 47 there for the rescue

[@laramiegrinde9246]

Do you happen to know the names of the books? I'd like to read them.