On April 11, 1964, a Canadian Vickers PBV-1 Canso (OA-10 Canso) (registration PP-PCZ) operated by Panair do Brasil was involved in an aviation accident near Portel, Brazil during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck the water surface due to the influence of intense crosswinds during its approach to Portel. 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.
An aircraft experienced a water impact while approaching Portel due to heavy crosswinds, resulting in a partial sinking of the vessel.
What happened
During the final approach phase into Portel, the flight crew encountered significant crosswind conditions. These environmental factors led to the aircraft type impacting the surface of the water. The force of the impact was severe enough to shear the windshield from the cockpit area.
Following the breach of the windshield, water rapidly entered both the cockpit and the passenger cabin. This ingress caused the aircraft to begin partially sinking into the water. Despite the structural damage and the flooding of the interior, the crew managed to execute an emergency evacuation.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the impact was the presence of strong crosswinds during the approach.
The structural integrity of the cockpit was compromised when the windshield was removed by the force of the water impact.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck the water surface due to the influence of intense crosswinds during its approach to Portel.