Were there any fatalities in the 1953-06-17 Lockheed L-049 Constellation accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 17 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1953-06-17 involved a Lockheed L-049 Constellation, registration PP-PDA, operated by Panair do Brasil, at São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil.

1953-06-17: Lockheed L-049 Constellation (PP-PDA) — Panair do Brasil — São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil

17 fatalitiesSão Paulo-Congonhas, BrazilLanding (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into a wooded area during a night approach to Congonhas Airport under poor weather conditions, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During a nighttime approach to Congonhas Airport, an aircraft encountered adverse weather conditions. While on final approach, the plane descended below a safe altitude and struck trees before impacting the ground. The crash occurred in a forested region situated approximately 6.5 km from runway 34, within the Americanópolis district. The impact and subsequent intense fire completely destroyed the airframe.

There were 17 fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft, with no survivors reported from the wreckage.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the crew performed the approach at an altitude lower than the established minimum safe limits. This action constituted a direct violation of the flight procedures published for the area.

Probable cause

The flight crew failed to adhere to standard operating procedures by continuing their descent below the minimum safe altitude during the final approach.

What happened

Findings

Probable cause

Related events

Same operator