No fatalities

1961-12-12: Curtiss C-46 Commando (PP-VBM) — VARIG - Viação Aérea Rio Grandense — Itaipu, Brazil

Itaipu, BrazilFlight

On December 12, 1961, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration PP-VBM) operated by VARIG - Viação Aérea Rio Grandense was involved in an aviation accident near Itaipu, Brazil in flight. No fatalities were reported. 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 1781245215Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight from Santos Dumont, a pilot shut down the left engine to simulate a failure. When feathering, the propeller reversed, forcing a ditching off Itaipu beach. Both occupants rescued; aircraft destroyed.

Incident Overview

A training flight departed Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport for local maneuvers. En route, the pilot intentionally shut down the left engine to simulate a failure. When the crew attempted to feather the propeller, it instead went into reverse pitch.

Emergency Response

Facing an inability to maintain a safe altitude, the crew decided to return to Santos Dumont Airport. However, conditions deteriorated, and the aircraft was ditched approximately 50 meters off Itaipu beach.

Rescue and Aircraft Damage

Both occupants were rescued from the ditching. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.

Investigation

The incident remains under investigation. No probable cause has been stated in the available source.