Training flight accident at Porto Alegre-Salgado Filho Airport

No fatalities • Porto Alegre-Salgado Filho, Brazil • Landing (descent or approach)

A training flight involving an instructor and a student pilot resulted in a crash landing at Porto Alegre-Salgado Filho Airport following an intentional engine shutdown.

What happened

During a local training session at Porto Alegre-Salgado Filho Airport, an aircraft was being operated by two crew members, consisting of an instructor and a pilot undergoing a check flight. While the aircraft was flying at a low altitude directly over the runway, the instructor intentionally deactivated the right engine to simulate an in-flight engine failure.

Following the shutdown, the aircraft experienced a significant roll toward the right side. The instructor attempted to stabilize the flight by applying rudder input; however, the aircraft reached a critical attitude that could not be recovered through standard maneuvers. In response to the deteriorating flight conditions, power was reduced on the remaining engine, leading to a crash landing. The incident resulted in two injuries (both crew members sustained slight injuries) and the total loss of the aircraft due to damage exceeding repair capabilities.

Findings

  • The instructor's decision to perform an engine shutdown at a low altitude over the runway contributed to the loss of control.
  • An error in judgment by the instructor during the simulation maneuver led to the aircraft reaching an unrecoverable state.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an instructor's poor decision to simulate an engine failure while at a low altitude over the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1958-01-03 Douglas DC-3 accident near Porto Alegre-Salgado Filho, Brazil?

A training flight involving an instructor and a student pilot resulted in a crash landing at Porto Alegre-Salgado Filho Airport following an intentional engine shutdown.

Were there any fatalities in the 1958-01-03 Douglas DC-3 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1958-01-03 involved a Douglas DC-3, registration PP-VDL, operated by VARIG - Viação Aérea Rio Grandense, at Porto Alegre-Salgado Filho, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by an instructor's poor decision to simulate an engine failure while at a low altitude over the runway.

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