No fatalities

1957-11-04: Douglas C-54 Skymaster (PP-AXS) — Real Aerovias — São Sebastião, Brazil

São Sebastião, BrazilFlight

On November 4, 1957, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration PP-AXS) operated by Real Aerovias was involved in an aviation accident near São Sebastião, Brazil in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of a pipe on the engine number two fuel supply system. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781248914Data APIEditorial standards

During cruise at 3,000 meters, engine two lost fuel pressure. After feathered propeller due to oil pressure issues and smoke, engine caught fire and later detached. Crew ditched aircraft; all 34 occupants evacuated safely.

Incident Overview

While cruising at an altitude of 3,000 meters, the fuel pressure on engine number two dropped to zero. The crew responded by feathering the propeller after observing rising oil pressure on both left engines and smoke emanating from the battery and generator compartment. Subsequently, engine number two caught fire, prompting the crew to declare an emergency. Shortly thereafter, the engine detached from the aircraft.

Emergency Landing

The crew attempted to ditch the aircraft into the Praia de Balaia off São Sebastião. The evacuation was successful, with all 34 occupants exiting the aircraft safely. The aircraft itself sustained damage beyond repair.

Investigation Findings

According to the official investigation, the probable cause was a failure of a pipe on the engine number two fuel supply system.