Overview
On a special flight from Lisbon to Porto, a twin-engine aircraft chartered by the Portuguese Government crashed shortly after takeoff from Lisbon-Portela de Sacavém Airport. The aircraft lost height during initial climb by night and struck several houses in the Camarate district. The aircraft was totally destroyed, and all seven occupants were killed. There were no casualties on the ground.
Flight Details
The flight was engaged in transporting various members of the Portuguese Government. Occupants included Mr. Francisco Sá Carneiro (Prime Minister), Mrs. Francisco Sá Carneiro, Mr. Amaro da Costa (Minister of Defence), Mrs. Amaro da Costa, one Chief of Cabinet, and two pilots.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the loss of control during initial climb resulted from a combination of factors: poor flight preparation by the crew; inadvertent shutdown of the left engine during initial climb for unknown reasons; the left propeller not being feathered, causing high drag; flaps not deployed in the correct position for takeoff; center of gravity (CofG) off limits; negligence of those responsible for planning and safety in air transport of important state figures in an aircraft of foreign registration whose maintenance status was not previously maintained rated; crew fatigue; and crew psychic stress accumulation.