On August 12, 1952, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration PP-ANH) operated by Transportes Aéreos Nacional was involved in an aviation accident near Palmeira de Goiás, Brazil in flight. 24 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Based on eyewitness testimony, a fire in the rear cabin, possibly from inflammable materials in the baggage compartment, was considered probable; lack of fire detectors was a contributory factor. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a flight from Rio Verde to Goiânia, a cabin fire prompted a diversion to Palmeira de Goiás. While attempting an emergency landing at 20 meters, the aircraft exploded and crashed, killing all 24 occupants. Investigators cite possible ignition of inflammable materials in the baggage compartment.
Incident Overview
On a leg from Rio Verde to Goiânia, the crew reported to ground that a fire had erupted in the cabin. The captain decided to divert to Palmeira de Goiás for a safe landing. The crew attempted to extinguish the fire multiple times but were unsuccessful. Subsequently, the pilot-in-command reduced altitude to attempt an emergency landing. At a height of approximately 20 meters, the airplane exploded in mid-air and crashed a few kilometers from the airport of Palmeira de Goiás. The aircraft disintegrated upon impact, and all 24 occupants were killed.
Investigation and Probable Cause
Investigators arrived at the scene two days after the crash and confirmed that the wreckage had been looted by locals. Due to the absence of evidence, establishing the exact cause of the accident was very difficult. Nevertheless, based on testimony from several eyewitnesses, it was believed that a fire erupted in the rear of the cabin and not in the fuel tanks located in the wings. It was considered possible that the fire was caused by inflammable materials stored in the baggage compartment. Additionally, the fact that the aircraft was not equipped with fire detectors was considered a contributory factor, as it took time for the crew to analyze and understand the situation.