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2 fatalities

Fatal Mountain Strike During Instrument Approach at Lisbon-Portela de Sacavém (6516)

Calhandriz, PortugalLanding (descent or approach)

On November 19, 1976, a Casa 212 Aviocar (registration 6516) operated by Portuguese Air Force - Força Aerea Portuguesa (1952-) was involved in an aviation accident near Calhandriz, Portugal during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to realize the aircraft's altitude was too low during the instrument approach, resulting in a collision with a mountain slope. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft struck a mountain slope in Calhandriz during an instrument approach to runway 21 at Lisbon-Portela de Sacavém, killing both pilots.

Incident Overview and Location Details The aircraft was operating a flight from Tancos Airbase to Lisbon when it encountered a fatal accident. The incident occurred while the crew was conducting an instrument approach to runway 21 at Lisbon-Portela de Sacavém Airport. The aircraft impacted the slope of a mountain in Calhandriz, which is situated approximately 16 kilometers north of the airfield. ## Crew and Outcome The collision resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. Both members of the flight crew were killed in the accident. The crew consisted of Captain José Luis Lopo Tuna and Lieutenant Amândio Jorge Almeida Cardoso. ## Operational Context The source indicates that the crew failed to recognize that the aircraft's altitude was too low during the approach phase. This lack of awareness of the aircraft's position relative to the terrain led to the collision with the mountain slope. No specific aircraft type, registration, or date is provided in the source material.

Probable cause

The crew failed to realize the aircraft's altitude was too low during the instrument approach, resulting in a collision with a mountain slope.
Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

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