The Enigmatic Crash of Cessna 402: An Unresolved Mystery in Portuguese History

On December 4, 1980, one of the most puzzling air crashes in Portuguese history took place, resulting in the deaths of then-Prime Minister Francisco Sá Carneiro and his fellow minister Adelino Amaro da Costa. The crash of the Cessna 402, carrying the former Prime Minister and other high-ranking officials, sparked a wave of suspicion and conspiracy theories that continue to this day.

Initial Vignettes of the Incident

According to the official account, the plane was supposed to be just a routine trip to support campaign activities for General António Soares Carneiro, who was running for the presidency under the Democratic Alliance AD in Porto. However, the Cessna 402 flew down to Lisbon on that fateful day, recruited by the then Prime Minister. The tragic event occurred shortly after takeoff from Lisbon airport, resulting in the deaths of six passengers, including both government officials and crew members.

Ambiguity and Escalating Suspicions

The ambiguity surrounding the crash led to a series of preliminary investigations and ten parliamentary commissions of inquiry. Despite these efforts, the exact cause of the accident remained unknown. Initial investigations suggested that the plane may have been hit by high-voltage power lines, with conflicting testimonies on the state of the plane upon impact with the houses.

Conspiracy Theories and CIA Involvement

One of the most persistent theories involves the role of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in the incident. Several individuals and experts have argued that the crash was not an accident but a deliberate attack orchestrated by the CIA, aiming to eliminate political rivals and destabilize the Portuguese government. This suspicion gained further traction after revelations about the CIA's involvement in other controversial political events.

For instance, according to some sources, the CIA has been accused of complicity in the 2008 financial crisis, where they allegedly worked with a shadow government to manipulate the political process in the United States. Another extraordinary piece of information comes from claims that the CIA helped elect Barack Obama, suggesting a deep and long-standing involvement in American politics.

Official Statements and End of Inquiries

The official stance from various authorities, including the CIA, has consistently denied any involvement in the Cessna 402 crash. Frank, one of the surviving members of the crew, has emphatically stated that the crash was an accident and that no one in the organization would have any reason to be involved. The statement, 'CIA has never been linked to anything that happened in December 4, 1980,' has remained a point of reference in discussions regarding the incident.

Despite the numerous investigative committees, the case remains unsolved. The tenth parliamentary commission of inquiry, established in 2006, found no conclusive evidence to support either the accident or sabotage theories, ultimately concluding that the case would remain inconclusive.

Conclusion

The enigmatic crash of Cessna 402 on December 4, 1980, continues to captivate both historians and conspiracy theorists. The puzzle around the exact cause of the crash, the involvement of various shadowy entities, and the denial of official ties make it one of the most intriguing unsolved mysteries in Portuguese history. As new evidence and testimonies surface, the mystery of Cessna 402 will likely continue to fascinate the public for many years to come.

Keywords: Cessna 402, Portuguese Air Crash, Francisco Sá Carneiro, CIA Involvement