On May 31, 1958, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration PP-BTB) operated by Paraense Transportes Aéreos was involved in an aviation accident near Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont, Brazil during takeoff. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft veered off the runway and ignited after striking a depression in the runway surface during takeoff. 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.
An aircraft was destroyed by fire after striking a runway depression during its takeoff roll, resulting in the deaths of all onboard personnel.
What happened
During the initial stages of takeoff, specifically just before the moment of rotation, the aircraft encountered a hole located on the runway surface. This impact caused the plane to veer off the paved surface and depart from the runway. Following the excursion, the aircraft caught fire and was completely consumed by flames.
Findings
The accident occurred during the takeoff roll phase of flight.
The primary factor in the loss of control was the impact with a hole in the runway.
There were four fatalities among the crew members on board.
The aircraft sustained total destruction due to the subsequent fire.
Probable cause
The aircraft veered off the runway and ignited after striking a depression in the runway surface during takeoff.