Was the discovery of America an accident?

The discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492 is often considered an accident in the sense that he was originally seeking a westward route to Asia. Columbus intended to find a quicker path to the lucrative spice markets but instead encountered the islands of the Caribbean. While his voyage was planned, the discovery of a new continent was unintended, leading to significant historical consequences. Thus, the event can be viewed as a mix of intention and serendipity.