On July 5, 1978, a Casa 212 Aviocar (registration 6518) operated by Portuguese Air Force - Força Aerea Portuguesa (1952-) was involved in an aviation accident near Serra de Santa Bárbara (Terceira Island), Portugal in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck terrain while flying in marginal weather conditions. 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 crashed into a mountainside on Terceira Island during flight through poor weather conditions, resulting in no survivors.
What happened
During an operation conducted under marginal meteorological conditions, the aircraft collided with the terrain in the Serra de Santa Bárbara National Forest. The impact occurred on the western side of Terceira Island when the plane struck a mountain slope.
There were three fatalities among the crew members on board at the time of the accident. No other persons were reported to be on the aircraft during this flight phase.
Findings
The accident took place while the flight was operating in weather conditions with limited visibility.
The primary factor in the crash was the impact with a mountain slope during the flight.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck terrain while flying in marginal weather conditions.
What happened in the 5 Jul 1978 Casa 212 Aviocar accident near Serra de Santa Bárbara (Terceira Island), Portugal?
An aircraft crashed into a mountainside on Terceira Island during flight through poor weather conditions, resulting in no survivors.
Were there any fatalities in the 5 Jul 1978 Casa 212 Aviocar accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Jul 1978 involved a Casa 212 Aviocar, registration 6518, operated by Portuguese Air Force - Força Aerea Portuguesa (1952-), at Serra de Santa Bárbara (Terceira Island), Portugal.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft struck terrain while flying in marginal weather conditions.
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