5 fatalities

1958-02-01: Douglas DC-4 (PP-LEM) — Loide Aéreo Nacional — Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont, BrazilTakeoff (climb)

On February 1, 1958, a Douglas DC-4 (registration PP-LEM) operated by Loide Aéreo Nacional was involved in an aviation accident near Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont, Brazil during takeoff. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the engine number four during takeoff. 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 1781248673Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff roll, engine four caught fire and exploded. The captain aborted the takeoff and initiated emergency braking. A left main gear tire burst near the runway end, causing the aircraft to veer off and come to rest in flames. Five occupants died, 57 were injured, and 11 were unhurt.

Incident Overview

A commercial aircraft experienced a critical engine failure during the takeoff roll. The number four engine caught fire and subsequently exploded, prompting the captain to abort the takeoff and begin an emergency braking maneuver.

Sequence of Events

As the aircraft decelerated, approximately 100 meters before the end of the runway, a tire on the left main landing gear burst. The aircraft then veered off the runway and came to rest engulfed in flames.

Casualties and Damage

Two crew members and three passengers were killed in the accident. Eleven passengers were uninjured, while 57 others sustained injuries of varying severity. The aircraft was destroyed by the post-crash fire.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a failure of the number four engine during takeoff.