3 fatalities

Fatal aircraft accident during training flight at Ponta Pelada AFB (2372)

Ponta Pelada AFB, Manaus, BrazilLanding (descent or approach)

On February 23, 1973, a De Havilland DHC-5 Buffalo (registration 2372) operated by Brazilian Air Force - Força Aérea Brasileira (1941-) was involved in an aviation accident near Ponta Pelada AFB, Manaus, Brazil during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. 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

A training mission ended in a fatal crash at Ponta Pelada Air Force Base when the aircraft went down while beginning its approach.

What happened

During a routine local training operation conducted at Ponta Pelada Air Force Base, an aircraft crashed while the crew was attempting to initiate an approach. The incident occurred as the flight was transitioning into its landing phase. There is currently no information regarding the specific cause of the descent.

All three crew members on board were killed in the accident.

Findings

The exact circumstances surrounding the crash remain unknown at this time, as investigations have not yet identified a definitive reason for the loss of control during the approach sequence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Feb 1973 De Havilland DHC-5 Buffalo accident near Ponta Pelada AFB, Manaus, Brazil?

A training mission ended in a fatal crash at Ponta Pelada Air Force Base when the aircraft went down while beginning its approach.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Feb 1973 De Havilland DHC-5 Buffalo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Feb 1973 involved a De Havilland DHC-5 Buffalo, registration 2372, operated by Brazilian Air Force - Força Aérea Brasileira (1941-), at Ponta Pelada AFB, Manaus, Brazil.