Aircraft crash in Guanabara Bay during approach to Rio de Janeiro

No fatalities • Rio de Janeiro-Galeão, Brazil • Landing (descent or approach)

A cargo flight traveling from Vitória crashed into Guanabara Bay after experiencing engine power loss and a stall during its final approach to Rio de Janeiro.

What happened

During a cargo operation originating in Vitória, the aircraft was performing an approach toward Rio de Janeiro when the crew encountered significant technical difficulties. The flight crew was forced to manually deploy the landing gear due to these issues. Following this event, both engines experienced a loss of power. In response to the emergency, the captain elected to divert the flight from Santos Dumont toward Galeão Airport, which was in closer proximity to the aircraft's position.

As the aircraft was executing its final turn during the diversion, it entered a stall and impacted the surface of Guanabara Bay. The accident resulted in three injuries among the crew members, though no fatalities were reported. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash.

Findings

Investigations into the incident concluded that the primary reason for the dual engine power loss was a failure within the hydraulic system.

Probable cause

A failure of the aircraft's hydraulic system led to the loss of power in both engines.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1950-09-08 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Rio de Janeiro-Galeão, Brazil?

A cargo flight traveling from Vitória crashed into Guanabara Bay after experiencing engine power loss and a stall during its final approach to Rio de Janeiro.

Were there any fatalities in the 1950-09-08 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1950-09-08 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration PP-LDB, operated by Transportes Aéreos Bandeirantes, at Rio de Janeiro-Galeão, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A failure of the aircraft's hydraulic system led to the loss of power in both engines.

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