3 fatalities

1954-06-04: Curtiss C-46 Commando (PP-VBZ) — VARIG - Viação Aérea Rio Grandense — São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil

São Paulo-Congonhas, BrazilTakeoff (climb)

On June 4, 1954, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration PP-VBZ) operated by VARIG - Viação Aérea Rio Grandense was involved in an aviation accident near São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil during takeoff. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to prepare the flight properly and failed to adhere to the operator procedures. As the crew did not follow the pre-departure checklist, they failed to remove the elevator lock prior to takeoff. 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 1781252088Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft stalled and crashed shortly after liftoff, killing all three crew members. Investigators determined the crew did not follow the pre-departure checklist, failing to remove the elevator lock.

Accident

Just after liftoff, while in initial climb, the airplane stalled and crashed near the runway end. The aircraft was destroyed, and all three crew members were killed.

Investigation

Investigators analyzed the circumstances of the accident. It was determined that the crew failed to prepare the flight properly and failed to adhere to the operator procedures. Specifically, the crew did not follow the pre-departure checklist. As a result, the crew failed to remove the elevator lock prior to takeoff.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause stated that the crew failed to prepare the flight properly and failed to adhere to the operator procedures. Because the crew did not follow the pre-departure checklist, they failed to remove the elevator lock prior to takeoff.