Fatal aircraft accident near Rancheria

7 fatalities • Rancharia, Brazil • Flight

An aircraft crashed into a hillside during its descent to Presidente Prudente Airport, resulting in the deaths of all seven people on board.

What happened

During a night approach to Presidente Prudente Airport, an aircraft entered a descent under challenging meteorological conditions. While flying through low visibility and poor weather, the plane struck a hill located approximately 8 km from Rancheria.

The impact of the collision resulted in a crash that claimed the lives of all seven occupants on board the aircraft. There were no survivors recorded from the incident.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the accident was driven by the crew's decision to continue the descent into Presidente Prudente Airport using visual flight rules (VFR) despite the presence of marginal weather and nighttime conditions. The decision to descend in low visibility prevented the crew from maintaining adequate clearance from terrain.

Probable cause

The crew attempted a visual flight rules descent during nighttime and poor weather, leading to controlled flight into terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1951-05-18 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Rancharia, Brazil?

An aircraft crashed into a hillside during its descent to Presidente Prudente Airport, resulting in the deaths of all seven people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1951-05-18 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1951-05-18 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration PP-SPL, operated by VASP - Viação Aérea de São Paulo, at Rancharia, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew attempted a visual flight rules descent during nighttime and poor weather, leading to controlled flight into terrain.

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