Mid-Air Collision Between a US Navy DC-6 and a DC-3 Near Rio de Janeiro (PP-AXD)

Flight Operations and Initial Approach A US Navy R4D-6 departed Buenos Aires at 0825 local time for Rio de Janeiro, carrying a delegation of musicians for a ceremony related to the official visit of US President Eisenhower. At 12:56, the crew reported over the BAGRE fix, entering the Rio Approach Control zone. The aircraft descended to 1,500 m and reached the Ilha Rasa (IH) NDB at 13:05. Controllers instructed the crew to arrive over the RJ NDB at 1,800 m and continue to the KX NDB while descending to 1,500 m, after which the aircraft could enter the approach path for Galeão Airport. At 13:07, the flight reported passing over the RJ NDB at 1,800 m, but the aircraft was still approaching the NDB. False radio compass indications in the area were not uncommon, influenced by a steel cable car nearby. ## Second Aircraft and Collision A DC-3, registration PP-AXD, departed Campos at 12:10 for Rio de Janeiro. The flight reported at the Porto das Caixas fix at 12:58 at 1,650 m. Controllers instructed the aircraft to head for the RJ NDB at 1,800 m and later cleared it for 1,500 m to carry out the Victor Procedure for an approach to Santos Dumont Airport. The DC-3 overflew the RJ NDB at 13:06 at 1,700 m. While executing the standard 180° left turn, the DC-3 was struck on its right side in an upward direction by the US Navy DC-6. The collision occurred at approximately 1,600 m. The DC-3 crashed into the bay just southeast of Sugar Loaf Mountain, while the DC-6 crashed into the bay just north of the mountain.