On November 10, 1961, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration 6154) operated by Portuguese Air Force - Força Aerea Portuguesa (1952-) was involved in an aviation accident near Chitado, Angola during landing or approach. 17 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck a tree during a final approach conducted in poor weather conditions. 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.
An aircraft crashed during its final approach to Chitado Airport in adverse weather, resulting in no survivors.
What happened
During an approach into Chitado Airport, an aircraft encountered difficult meteorological conditions. While performing the final phase of the approach, the airplane struck a tree before crashing at a location short of the runway threshold.
There were 17 fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft. The impact occurred during the landing phase under poor visibility and weather conditions.
Findings
The accident took place during the final approach to the airfield.
Adverse weather conditions were present at the time of the flight.
The sequence of events involved a collision with an obstacle (a tree) prior to reaching the runway.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck a tree during a final approach conducted in poor weather conditions.
What happened in the 10 Nov 1961 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Chitado, Angola?
An aircraft crashed during its final approach to Chitado Airport in adverse weather, resulting in no survivors.
Were there any fatalities in the 10 Nov 1961 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 17 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Nov 1961 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration 6154, operated by Portuguese Air Force - Força Aerea Portuguesa (1952-), at Chitado, Angola.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft struck a tree during a final approach conducted in poor weather conditions.
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