On July 4, 1946, a Bristol 170 Freighter (registration G-AHJB) operated by Bristol Aeroplane Company was involved in an aviation accident near Atlantic Ocean, World in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Double engine failure resulting from fuel exhaustion due to a navigational error made by the crew. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A delivery flight suffered dual engine failure off the coast of Brazil due to fuel exhaustion, resulting in a ditching where all five crew members were rescued.
What happened
The aircraft was operating a delivery mission bound for Rio de Janeiro on behalf of the Brazilian operator Real Aerovias. While maintaining cruising altitude in the vicinity of Aracaju, both engines ceased functioning at the same time. With no power available, the pilot executed an emergency ditching approximately 198 kilometers from the Brazilian coastline. The airframe subsequently sank and was destroyed, but all five individuals on board were successfully recovered by the crew of a nearby American merchant vessel.
Findings
Investigations determined that the simultaneous loss of engine power was caused by complete fuel exhaustion. This critical situation arose from a navigational error committed by the flight crew during the operation.
Probable cause
Double engine failure resulting from fuel exhaustion due to a navigational error made by the crew.
What happened in the 4 Jul 1946 Bristol 170 Freighter accident near Atlantic Ocean, World?
A delivery flight suffered dual engine failure off the coast of Brazil due to fuel exhaustion, resulting in a ditching where all five crew members were rescued.
Were there any fatalities in the 4 Jul 1946 Bristol 170 Freighter accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Jul 1946 involved a Bristol 170 Freighter, registration G-AHJB, operated by Bristol Aeroplane Company, at Atlantic Ocean, World.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Double engine failure resulting from fuel exhaustion due to a navigational error made by the crew.
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