Aircraft ditching near Itaipu Beach during training flight

No fatalities • Itaipu, Brazil • Flight

A training flight departing from Rio de Janeiro ended in an emergency ditching off the coast of Itaipu after a propeller malfunction occurred during an engine failure simulation.

What happened

A local training mission originated from the Santos Dumont Airport in Rio de Janeiro. During the course of the flight, the pilot performed a deliberate shutdown of the left engine to practice procedures related to an engine failure. While attempting to feather the propeller following the shutdown, the propeller unexpectedly entered a reverse pitch state.

Following this mechanical malfunction, the crew attempted to return to Santos Dumont Airport. However, the aircraft was unable to sustain sufficient altitude to complete the approach. Consequently, the pilot executed an emergency ditching approximately 50 meters from the shoreline of Itaipu beach. The impact resulted in the aircraft being destroyed, though both occupants were successfully rescued without fatalities.

Findings

  • The incident occurred during a simulated engine failure procedure.
  • An error or mechanical issue caused the propeller to move into reverse pitch instead of feathering.
  • The loss of performance prevented the crew from maintaining altitude for a controlled landing at the airport.

Probable cause

The propeller entered reverse pitch during an attempt to feather the engine, leading to a loss of altitude that necessitated an emergency ditching.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1961-12-12 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Itaipu, Brazil?

A training flight departing from Rio de Janeiro ended in an emergency ditching off the coast of Itaipu after a propeller malfunction occurred during an engine failure simulation.

Were there any fatalities in the 1961-12-12 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1961-12-12 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration PP-VBM, operated by VARIG - Viação Aérea Rio Grandense, at Itaipu, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The propeller entered reverse pitch during an attempt to feather the engine, leading to a loss of altitude that necessitated an emergency ditching.

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