6 fatalities

Aircraft Crashes into Río Negro After Engine Failure During Initial Climb (PP-LDE)

Ponta Pelada AFB, Manaus, BrazilTakeoff (climb)

On May 24, 1952, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration PP-LDE) operated by Loide Aéreo Nacional was involved in an aviation accident near Ponta Pelada AFB, Manaus, Brazil during takeoff. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure shortly after rotation for undetermined reason. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into the Río Negro and sank after an engine failed during the initial climb. The pilot attempted an emergency landing, but the plane stalled. All six crew members were killed.

Incident Overview and Outcome During the initial climb following takeoff, an engine on the aircraft failed. The pilot-in-command decided to return for an emergency landing. However, the aircraft subsequently stalled and crashed into the Río Negro. The airplane sank after the impact, and all six crew members on board were killed. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, date, or exact location beyond the river name. ## Official Probable Cause The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was an engine failure shortly after rotation for an undetermined reason.