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Pilot Disorientation Leads to Emergency Landing in Brazil; All 34 Occupants Survive (PP-BTU)

Tabajara, BrazilFlight

On February 15, 1964, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration PP-BTU) operated by Paraense Transportes Aéreos was involved in an aviation accident near Tabajara, Brazil in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot lost his sense of orientation and his way to Porto Velho. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

While en route from Rio Branco to Porto Velho, the pilot became disoriented and performed an emergency landing 40 km west of Tabajara. All 34 occupants survived and were rescued after eight days. The aircraft was written off.

Incident Details

A pilot flying from Rio Branco to Porto Velho lost his sense of orientation and was unable to navigate to his destination. In response, he decided to attempt an emergency landing in an isolated area located 40 kilometers west of Tabajara. The aircraft came down in a remote location, approximately 160 kilometers east of Porto Velho, which was not on the planned route.

Rescue

All 34 occupants survived the accident. They were rescued eight days after the emergency landing. The prolonged survival period suggests they managed to stay alive without immediate assistance.

Aftermath

The aircraft sustained substantial damage and was written off. The crash site's location, far from the intended flight path, highlighted the pilot's disorientation. No further details were provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, or operator.

Probable cause

The pilot lost his sense of orientation and his way to Porto Velho.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Feb 1964 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Tabajara, Brazil?

While en route from Rio Branco to Porto Velho, the pilot became disoriented and performed an emergency landing 40 km west of Tabajara. All 34 occupants survived and were rescued after eight days. The aircraft was written off.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Feb 1964 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 15 Feb 1964 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration PP-BTU, operated by Paraense Transportes Aéreos, at Tabajara, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot lost his sense of orientation and his way to Porto Velho.

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