Engine fire and separation during flight near São Sebastião

No fatalities • São Sebastião, Brazil • Flight

An aircraft experienced an engine fire and subsequent engine separation while cruising, leading to an emergency ditching off the coast of Brazil.

What happened

During a cruise at 3,000 meters, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of fuel pressure in the second engine. Following this drop, the crew observed rising oil pressure on both left-side engines and smoke emerging from the compartment housing the generator and battery.

As the situation progressed, a fire developed in the number two engine. The crew performed propeller feathering procedures and declared an emergency as the fire intensified. During the incident, the second engine became detached from the airframe. In response to the critical mechanical failure, the crew executed an emergency ditching maneuver into the Praia de Balaia, located off São Sebastião.

Findings

All 34 occupants were successfully evacuated from the aircraft without loss of life. Although the aircraft type sustained damage that rendered it a total loss, no injuries were reported during the evacuation process.

Probable cause

A rupture in a pipe within the fuel supply system for the second engine caused the fire and subsequent separation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1957-11-04 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident near São Sebastião, Brazil?

An aircraft experienced an engine fire and subsequent engine separation while cruising, leading to an emergency ditching off the coast of Brazil.

Were there any fatalities in the 1957-11-04 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1957-11-04 involved a Douglas C-54 Skymaster, registration PP-AXS, operated by Real Aerovias, at São Sebastião, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A rupture in a pipe within the fuel supply system for the second engine caused the fire and subsequent separation.

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