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4 fatalities

Fatal aircraft accident during takeoff roll (PP-BTB)

Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont, BrazilTakeoff (climb)

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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 May 1958 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont, Brazil?

An aircraft was destroyed by fire after striking a runway depression during its takeoff roll, resulting in the deaths of all onboard personnel.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 May 1958 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 May 1958 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration PP-BTB, operated by Paraense Transportes Aéreos, at Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft veered off the runway and ignited after striking a depression in the runway surface during takeoff.

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