Emergency water landing near Maraú following engine fire

13 fatalities • Maraú, Brazil • Flight

An aircraft experienced an in-flight engine fire and subsequent structural failure, leading to a forced ditching near Maraú that resulted in 13 fatalities.

What happened

During the flight, the aircraft's left engine ignited, resulting in an active fire. The crew attempted to suppress the flames using onboard extinguishing equipment, but these efforts were unsuccessful. As the incident progressed, the intense heat or mechanical stress caused the left engine to detach from the wing, taking the nacelle and the undercarriage with it.

In response to the severe damage and loss of components, the pilot-in-command initiated a descent to a lower altitude. The aircraft was ultimately ditched on the water approximately 200 meters from the coast of Maraú. The accident resulted in 13 fatalities, including one crew member and 12 passengers. Despite the severity of the impact, rescue operations were successful in saving the remaining 20 occupants on board.

Findings

Investigations determined that the primary factor leading to the loss of the engine and subsequent emergency landing was an uncontrolled fire in the left engine during the flight phase.

Probable cause

An uncontrolled fire developed in the left engine during flight, leading to the separation of the engine, nacelle, and landing gear.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1952-07-11 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Maraú, Brazil?

An aircraft experienced an in-flight engine fire and subsequent structural failure, leading to a forced ditching near Maraú that resulted in 13 fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1952-07-11 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 13 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1952-07-11 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration 2048, operated by Brazilian Air Force - Força Aérea Brasileira (1941-), at Maraú, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An uncontrolled fire developed in the left engine during flight, leading to the separation of the engine, nacelle, and landing gear.

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