Aircraft crash near Vitória da Conquista Airport following landing gear failure

5 fatalities • Vitória da Conquista, Brazil • Landing (descent or approach)

A flight attempting a go-around after a landing gear malfunction crashed into a utility pole near Vitória da Conquista Airport, resulting in multiple fatalities.

What happened

During an approach to Vitória da Conquista Airport, the flight crew attempted to deploy the landing gear. However, the mechanism failed to lock into place. In response to this technical issue, the captain initiated a go-around procedure by increasing power to both engines and performing a low pass over the runway to re-enter the circuit.

While executing a left-hand turn during this maneuver, the aircraft struck a telephone pole. The impact caused the plane to stall, leading to a crash that resulted in a post-impact fire. The accident resulted in five fatalities (comprising four passengers and one crew member) and 16 injuries. The aircraft was completely destroyed during the event.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified several contributing elements. A primary factor was the pilot-in-command's failure to maintain a proper aircraft attitude while attempting to verify the status of the landing gear. Additionally, investigators noted an error in judgment regarding the decision to apply full throttle for the go-around while the gear remained in an extended, unsecure position. The mechanical failure of the landing gear locking mechanism was also cited as a contributing factor.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain proper aircraft attitude during a gear inspection and made a poor decision to initiate a go-around with the landing gear partially extended.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1955-03-06 Douglas C-53 Skytrooper (DC-3) accident near Vitória da Conquista, Brazil?

A flight attempting a go-around after a landing gear malfunction crashed into a utility pole near Vitória da Conquista Airport, resulting in multiple fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1955-03-06 Douglas C-53 Skytrooper (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1955-03-06 involved a Douglas C-53 Skytrooper (DC-3), registration PP-YPZ, operated by Real Aerovias, at Vitória da Conquista, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to maintain proper aircraft attitude during a gear inspection and made a poor decision to initiate a go-around with the landing gear partially extended.

Loading the flight search…