Aircraft crash in Aparados da Serra forest

14 fatalities • Bom Jesus, Brazil • Flight

An aircraft flying from São Paulo to Porto Alegre crashed into a forested area near Bom Jesus following heavy rain and low visibility.

What happened

On the day of the accident, an aircraft departed from São Paulo-Congonhas Airport at 11:45 local time, traveling toward Porto Alegre. During the flight, the crew encountered worsening weather conditions, which led to official authorization to descend the aircraft to an altitude of 3,000 feet.

As the flight continued through heavy rainfall and significantly reduced visibility, the aircraft struck trees. The impact resulted in the left wing being severed from the airframe, causing the plane to crash into the Aparados da Serra forest, situated approximately 5 km southeast of Bom Jesus. The accident resulted in 14 fatalities and 4 survivors.

Findings

Investigations concluded that the primary reason for the accident was navigation errors by the flight crew, who did not successfully verify their precise position or flight path during the transit. Additionally, the presence of heavy rain and poor visibility was identified as a contributing factor to the event.

Probable cause

The crew failed to accurately determine their flight course and position, compounded by low visibility from heavy rain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1952-10-14 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Bom Jesus, Brazil?

An aircraft flying from São Paulo to Porto Alegre crashed into a forested area near Bom Jesus following heavy rain and low visibility.

Were there any fatalities in the 1952-10-14 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 14 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1952-10-14 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration PP-AXJ, operated by Aerovias Brasil, at Bom Jesus, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew failed to accurately determine their flight course and position, compounded by low visibility from heavy rain.

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