Panair Brasil Constellation crash near Manaus

50 fatalities • Manaus, Brazil • Landing (descent or approach)

A Panair Brasil Lockheed Constellation disappeared during a flight from Belém to Manaus, resulting in the loss of all 50 people on board.

What happened

On a scheduled flight from Belém to Manaus-Ponta Pelada Airport, a Lockheed Constellation operated by Panair Brasil departed at 02:31 GMT. The aircraft was traveling along the Amber 1 airway for what was expected to be a three-hour journey.

At 05:04, the flight crew established contact with Manaus, indicating they were approximately six minutes from their destination. However, during a subsequent communication at 05:19, the crew inquired if the sound of the aircraft's engines could be detected by the controllers in Manaus. The ground staff responded that they could not hear the engines and requested clarification regarding the nature of the inquiry. Following this exchange, all radio contact with the flight was lost.

Search efforts later indicated that the aircraft had crashed approximately 45 km from Manaus. The wreckage of the Lockheed Constellation was found completely destroyed. There were no survivors among the 50 fatalities recorded in the accident.

Probable cause

The official cause of the crash was never determined.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1962-12-14 Lockheed L-049 Constellation accident near Manaus, Brazil?

A Panair Brasil Lockheed Constellation disappeared during a flight from Belém to Manaus, resulting in the loss of all 50 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1962-12-14 Lockheed L-049 Constellation accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 50 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1962-12-14 involved a Lockheed L-049 Constellation, registration PP-PDE, operated by Panair do Brasil, at Manaus, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The official cause of the crash was never determined.

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