15 fatalities

Engine Failure Leads to Stall and Crash in Cachimbo Region, Killing All 15 Onboard (PP-AKF)

Cachimbo, BrazilFlight

On December 7, 1960, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration PP-AKF) operated by Real Aerovias was involved in an aviation accident near Cachimbo, Brazil in flight. 15 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: In-flight failure of the right engine for unknown 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft suffered a right engine failure en route, jettisoned cargo, stalled, and crashed in hilly wooded terrain in the Cachimbo region. All 15 occupants were killed.

Incident

During an en route flight, the aircraft experienced a failure of its right engine. In response, the crew jettisoned some of the cargo in an attempt to maintain a safe altitude. Despite these efforts, the aircraft subsequently stalled and crashed into hilly, wooded terrain in the Cachimbo region.

Aftermath

The wreckage was located a few hours later in the jungle. All 15 occupants of the aircraft were killed in the accident.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was an in-flight failure of the right engine for unknown reasons.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Dec 1960 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Cachimbo, Brazil?

An aircraft suffered a right engine failure en route, jettisoned cargo, stalled, and crashed in hilly wooded terrain in the Cachimbo region. All 15 occupants were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Dec 1960 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 15 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Dec 1960 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration PP-AKF, operated by Real Aerovias, at Cachimbo, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

In-flight failure of the right engine for unknown reason