Aircraft crash following engine failure near Congonhas Airport

No fatalities • São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced an engine malfunction and subsequent stall during a missed approach, resulting in a crash short of the runway.

What happened

Following departure from Congonhas Airport, the flight crew identified mechanical issues involving the left engine. In response to this technical failure, air traffic control authorized an emergency return to the airfield.

During the final approach phase, the aircraft was operating in adverse weather conditions. The pilot-in-command initiated a go-around maneuver; however, while performing a turn to realign with the approach path, the aircraft stalled. The plane subsequently impacted an eucalyptus plantation situated a short distance from the runway threshold.

All 17 occupants were successfully evacuated from the wreckage. While most passengers sustained no significant harm, several individuals suffered injuries during the incident. The captain sustained serious injuries, and the aircraft was completely destroyed upon impact.

Findings

Official investigations determined that the sequence of events began with a failure of the left engine shortly after the initial takeoff.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the accident was an engine malfunction occurring during the early stages of flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1953-09-14 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil?

An aircraft experienced an engine malfunction and subsequent stall during a missed approach, resulting in a crash short of the runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 1953-09-14 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1953-09-14 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration PP-LDM, operated by Loide Aéreo Nacional, at São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the accident was an engine malfunction occurring during the early stages of flight.

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