Fatal aircraft accident during final flight test

10 fatalities • Montevideo-Carrasco, Uruguay • Takeoff (climb)

A flight test for a Certificate of Airworthiness ended in a fatal crash after the aircraft's right wing struck the runway, resulting in all 10 occupants losing their lives.

What happened

During a scheduled local visual flight lasting approximately 90 minutes, an aircraft was performing its final flight test necessary for obtaining a Certificate of Airworthiness. The takeoff sequence initiated at 15:14 hours, starting 200 meters from the threshold of runway 23.

Shortly after lifting off to an altitude estimated between 5 and 15 meters, the right wing made multiple contacts with the runway surface. These impacts caused the landing gear to bounce violently, leading to a tire burst and the structural failure of the landing gear leg. As a result, the axle and propeller struck the ground while the right engine was still operating at nearly maximum power.

The aircraft subsequently bounced back into the air before rolling over and coming to rest in an inverted position. During the period between the secondary bounce and the final stop, the pilot moved the engine controls to the off position. Following the impact, a fire erupted, which led to the total destruction of the aircraft. The accident resulted in 10 fatalities.

Findings

Investigations determined that a maintenance error occurred, which went undetected by both airline inspectors and officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Additionally, an oversight by the pilot was identified as a contributing factor to the sequence of events.

Probable cause

The accident resulted from an undetected maintenance error combined with an omission by the pilot during the flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1962-10-09 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Montevideo-Carrasco, Uruguay?

A flight test for a Certificate of Airworthiness ended in a fatal crash after the aircraft's right wing struck the runway, resulting in all 10 occupants losing their lives.

Were there any fatalities in the 1962-10-09 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 10 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1962-10-09 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration CX-AGE, operated by PLUNA Uruguay - Primeras Lineas Uruguayas de Navegacion Aérea, at Montevideo-Carrasco, Uruguay.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident resulted from an undetected maintenance error combined with an omission by the pilot during the flight.

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