Aircraft overrun into Guanabara Bay following hydraulic failure

No fatalities • Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont, Brazil • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft overran the runway and entered Guanabara Bay after a hydraulic malfunction prevented a successful stop during takeoff.

What happened

While performing the takeoff roll, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of hydraulic pressure. In response to this mechanical failure, the crew initiated an aborted takeoff procedure. Despite attempts to utilize emergency braking techniques, the aircraft could not decelerate sufficiently before reaching the end of the runway.

As a result of the insufficient stopping distance, the plane exited the runway and entered Guanabara Bay. All passengers and crew members were successfully evacuated from the vessel without injury. Shortly after the impact with the water, the aircraft submerged.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the accident was a failure of the hydraulic system.
  • The loss of hydraulic pressure rendered standard braking ineffective during the high-speed portion of the takeoff roll.

Probable cause

A malfunction within the aircraft's hydraulic system prevented the crew from stopping the plane during an aborted takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1953-09-12 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont, Brazil?

An aircraft overran the runway and entered Guanabara Bay after a hydraulic malfunction prevented a successful stop during takeoff.

Were there any fatalities in the 1953-09-12 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1953-09-12 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration 2051, operated by Brazilian Air Force - Força Aérea Brasileira (1941-), at Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A malfunction within the aircraft's hydraulic system prevented the crew from stopping the plane during an aborted takeoff.

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