38 fatalities

1970-03-14: Fairchild-Hiller FH-227 (PP-BUF) — Paraense Transportes Aéreos — Belém-Val de Cans-Júlio Cezar Ribeiro, Brazil

Belém-Val de Cans-Júlio Cezar Ribeiro, BrazilLanding (descent or approach)

On March 14, 1970, a Fairchild-Hiller FH-227 (registration PP-BUF) operated by Paraense Transportes Aéreos was involved in an aviation accident near Belém-Val de Cans-Júlio Cezar Ribeiro, Brazil during landing or approach. 38 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Probable misjudgement of the distance separating the aircraft and the water surface on part of the flying crew while conducting an approach in marginal weather conditions. 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 1781236530Data APIEditorial standards

During an approach in poor weather with thunderstorm and heavy rain, the pilot misjudged altitude, causing a wing to strike water. The aircraft crashed into Guajará Bay, 800 meters short of the runway. Two occupants survived; 38 were killed.

Accident

The accident occurred during the approach to Belém-Val-de-Cans-Júlio Cezar Ribeiro Airport. Weather conditions were poor, with thunderstorm activity and heavy rainfall. While executing a final turn to join the approach path for runway 06, the pilot-in-command failed to recognize that the aircraft's altitude was too low. One of the wings struck the water surface, and the airplane crashed into Guajará Bay, approximately 800 meters short of the runway 06 threshold.

Occupants and Fatalities

One crew member and one passenger were rescued, while 38 other occupants were killed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be: "Probable misjudgement of the distance separating the aircraft and the water surface on part of the flying crew while conducting an approach in marginal weather conditions."