Runway overrun and ravine crash involving four-engine aircraft

No fatalities • Belo Horizonte-Pampulha-Carlos Drummond de Andrade, Brazil • Landing (descent or approach)

A four-engine aircraft overran the runway and crashed into a ravine following an improper approach, resulting in no fatalities among the 59 occupants.

What happened

During a recent flight operation, a four-engine aircraft experienced a significant excursion during its landing phase. The crew performed an approach that was incorrectly configured, leading to the plane touching down much further down the runway than intended. Due to the insufficient remaining runway length, the pilot was unable to decelerate the aircraft sufficiently to prevent an overrun. The aircraft subsequently left the paved surface and came to rest in a nearby ravine.

Despite the impact with the terrain, all 59 occupants were successfully evacuated from the plane without injury. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

Investigations into the incident highlighted several critical errors during the final approach phase. The flying crew conducted an approach characterized by excessive airspeed and an altitude significantly higher than the prescribed glide path. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the crew failed to execute a missed approach or go-around procedure despite the clear deviation from standard landing parameters.

Probable cause

The crew's failure to maintain the correct glide path and speed, combined with the decision not to perform a go-around during an unstable approach, led to the runway overrun.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1961-01-26 Lockheed L-049 Constellation accident near Belo Horizonte-Pampulha-Carlos Drummond de Andrade, Brazil?

A four-engine aircraft overran the runway and crashed into a ravine following an improper approach, resulting in no fatalities among the 59 occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 1961-01-26 Lockheed L-049 Constellation accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1961-01-26 involved a Lockheed L-049 Constellation, registration PP-PDC, operated by Panair do Brasil, at Belo Horizonte-Pampulha-Carlos Drummond de Andrade, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew's failure to maintain the correct glide path and speed, combined with the decision not to perform a go-around during an unstable approach, led to the runway overrun.

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