On May 3, 1960, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration PP-NMD) operated by Navegação Aérea Brasileira - NAB was involved in an aviation accident near Ramey AFB (Aguadilla), Puerto Rico during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck a hillside because it was operating at an insufficient altitude during the approach phase. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A delivery flight traveling from Miami to Brazil crashed near Ramey Air Force Base, resulting in the deaths of all five people on board.
What happened
A flight operating as a delivery mission from Miami toward Brazil met with a fatal accident during its approach to Aguadilla. While maneuvering for landing at Ramey Air Force Base, the aircraft type struck elevated terrain located several kilometers before reaching the runway threshold. The impact occurred while the plane was at an insufficient altitude.
All five fatalities were recorded following the collision. There were no survivors among the crew members on board during the event.
Findings
Investigations into the crash indicate that the primary factor in the accident was that the aircraft was flying too low during its final approach to the airfield.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck a hillside because it was operating at an insufficient altitude during the approach phase.