Junkers JU.52 accident at Rio Bonito, Brazil, 13 Jan 1939 (PP-CAY)
On January 13, 1939, a Junkers JU.52 (registration PP-CAY) operated by Syndicato Condor was involved in an aviation accident near Rio Bonito, Brazil in flight. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain while descending in poor visibility due to heavy rain falls. High winds may have been a contributing factor. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
Controlled flight into terrain while descending in poor visibility due to heavy rain falls. High winds may have been a contributing factor.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
While descending to Rio de Janeiro seaplane base in poor weather conditions (heavy rain falls and strong winds), the three engine aircraft named 'Marimba' hit the slope of a mountain located in the Serra do Sambê, some 60 km northeast of Rio de Janeiro. All 10 occupants were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): Controlled flight into terrain while descending in poor visibility due to heavy rain falls. High winds may have been a contributing factor.