13 fatalities

Fatal crash of Limpopo-named aircraft shortly after takeoff (CR-AAV)

Quelimane, MozambiqueTakeoff (climb)

On February 23, 1944, a Lockheed 14 Super Electra (registration CR-AAV) operated by DETA Mozambique Airlines - Direcção de Exploração dos Transportes Aéreos was involved in an aviation accident near Quelimane, Mozambique during takeoff. 13 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control shortly after takeoff during the climb phase. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft named 'Limpopo' crashed into a prairie during the initial climb phase, resulting in the destruction of the airframe and the deaths of all 13 people on board.

What happened

The incident occurred immediately following departure from the runway. While the aircraft was in the climb phase, it lost control shortly after takeoff. The loss of control led to a crash into a nearby prairie area. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe.

All 13 occupants aboard the aircraft were killed in the accident. The pilot at the time of the incident was Francisco Pinto Teixeira, who perished along with the other passengers and crew members. The specific registration mark for this event is not provided in the available records, but the aircraft was identified by its name, 'Limpopo'.

Findings

The source material indicates that the primary sequence of events involved a loss of control during the initial climb. No further technical details regarding mechanical failures or environmental factors are specified in the provided text.

Probable cause

Loss of control shortly after takeoff during the climb phase.