4 fatalities

1968-10-17: Canadian Vickers PBV-1 Canso (OA-10 Canso) (PP-PCW) — Cruzeiro do Sul — Canutama, Brazil

Canutama, BrazilLanding (descent or approach)

On October 17, 1968, a Canadian Vickers PBV-1 Canso (OA-10 Canso) (registration PP-PCW) operated by Cruzeiro do Sul was involved in an aviation accident near Canutama, Brazil during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck the water in an improper nosed-down attitude during the landing phase. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781238366Data APIEditorial standards

A seaplane crashed into the Rio Purus near Canutama, resulting in four fatalities and leaving ten others injured.

What happened

During an approach to land on the Rio Purus near Canutama, a seaplane entered the water in an incorrect attitude. The aircraft was noted to be in a nosed-down position upon impact, which caused it to become partially submerged in the river.

The accident resulted in four fatalities among those on board. Following the impact, rescue efforts were successful in saving the remaining 10 occupants, who were pulled from the wreckage or the surrounding water.

Findings

Initial observations of the wreckage indicate that the aircraft's descent angle was a critical factor during the landing sequence. The nose-down attitude of the plane at the moment of contact with the river surface led to the partial submersion of the vessel.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck the water in an improper nosed-down attitude during the landing phase.