No fatalities

1953-09-14: Curtiss C-46 Commando (PP-LDM) — Loide Aéreo Nacional — São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil

São Paulo-Congonhas, BrazilLanding (descent or approach)

On September 14, 1953, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration PP-LDM) operated by Loide Aéreo Nacional was involved in an aviation accident near São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the left engine shortly after takeoff for unknown reason. 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 1781252908Data APIEditorial standards

After takeoff, the crew experienced left engine issues and returned for an emergency landing. During approach, a go-around was attempted, but the aircraft stalled and crashed short of the runway, resulting in injuries and destruction.

Overview

Shortly after departing from Congonhas Airport, the flight crew encountered technical problems with the left engine. They received clearance to return for an emergency landing. Weather conditions at the time were poor.

Sequence of Events

On final approach, the pilot-in-command initiated a go-around for reasons that were not specified. A few minutes later, while completing a turn to rejoin the approach path, the airplane stalled and subsequently crashed into an eucalyptus plantation located a few hundred yards short of the runway.

Aftermath

All 17 occupants were evacuated from the aircraft. Among them, several passengers sustained injuries. The captain was seriously injured, and the aircraft was destroyed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause was a failure of the left engine shortly after takeoff, for which the reason remains unknown.