On December 7, 1938, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration PP-TDB) operated by Escola Brasileira de Aviação was involved in an aviation accident near Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont, Brazil in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure in flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine trainer crashed into Guanabara Bay near Rio de Janeiro following an in-flight engine failure during a local training sortie. Both pilots were successfully rescued from the water.
What happened
The incident occurred while the crew was conducting a local training flight departing from Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport. During the sortie, the aircraft suffered an engine failure in flight. Unable to maintain controlled flight or reach a suitable landing area, the airplane impacted the surface of Guanabara Bay. Emergency services responded to the scene, and both members of the crew were recovered from the water without fatal injuries.
Findings
The official investigation concluded that the accident was caused by an engine failure while the aircraft was in flight.
Probable cause
Engine failure in flight
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 7 Dec 1938 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident near Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont, Brazil?
A twin-engine trainer crashed into Guanabara Bay near Rio de Janeiro following an in-flight engine failure during a local training sortie. Both pilots were successfully rescued from the water.
Were there any fatalities in the 7 Dec 1938 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Dec 1938 involved a De Havilland DH.60 Moth, registration PP-TDB, operated by Escola Brasileira de Aviação, at Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont, Brazil.
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