Introduction
On 30 May 1961, a Douglas DC-8-53 aircraft, registration PH-DCL, operated by Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij N.V. (KLM) on behalf of Venezolana Internacional de Aviacion (VIASA), crashed into the sea approximately 3 km off the coast near Fonte da Telha, southwest of Lisbon, Portugal. The accident occurred at around 0120 hours GMT. The aircraft was destroyed.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Douglas DC-8-53, serial number 45615, fuselage number 131, powered by four Pratt & Whitney JT3D-1 engines. It was delivered to KLM on 1 May 1961 and had accumulated 209 hours and 30 minutes of flight time by the time it arrived in Lisbon. The aircraft's airworthiness certificate (U.S. No. E-46220) was issued on 1 May 1961, and a Dutch revalidation certificate (No. 1071) was valid until 30 April 1962. The maintenance certificate was issued on 2 May 1961 and valid until the next periodic inspection at 300 flight hours. No serious defects were recorded in the aircraft's operational history.
Accident Sequence
Flight VA-897 originated in Rome, Italy, with stops in Madrid, Spain, and Lisbon, Portugal, en route to Caracas, Venezuela, via Santa Maria, Azores. The aircraft landed at Lisbon Airport at 0006 hours on 30 May for a scheduled stop. After refueling and passenger/cargo handling, the aircraft departed from runway 23 at 0115 hours, bound for Santa Maria, with a completely new crew under the command of Captain Herrera.
Witnesses on the ground reported that the takeoff roll and initial climb appeared normal. Radio communications were also normal. At 0119 hours, the crew reported passing over the Caparica radio beacon and climbing through flight level 60. The transmission ended with two short phrases; the first was unclear, and the last was "we are climbing out." This message was received at 0119:50. No further contact was established. Evidence indicates the aircraft crashed into the sea shortly after the last transmission.
Investigation and Recovery
On 30 May, human remains and small light aircraft parts were found on the beach south of Caparica. On 7 June, additional parts were recovered with the help of fishing boats. The main wreckage was located the following day in Caparica Bay, 7 km south of the beacon and 3 km offshore, at a depth of about 30 meters. The United States Navy vessel "Petrel" assisted in recovering a large quantity of wreckage over 21 days.
Investigation was conducted by a Portuguese commission, with participation from the Netherlands, the United States, and various organizations. Detailed examination of the wreckage was partially carried out in the Netherlands. No evidence was found that could have caused the accident.
Probable Cause
Not determined. The official report does not state a probable cause.
Occupants and Fatalities
The aircraft carried 47 passengers and 14 crew. Of these, 10 passengers were killed, and the remaining 37 passengers and 14 crew were reported missing.