Background
The aircraft was operating as flight LH502 from Hamburg, Germany to Buenos Aires, Argentina. While approaching Rio de Janeiro, the crew received clearance to descend from 4,200 meters to 3,000 meters approximately 20 minutes before arrival. They were instructed to maintain 3,000 meters until reaching the KX NDB in preparation for an approach and landing on runway 14. After passing KX, the crew was cleared to descend to 900 meters.
Accident Sequence
The flight established contact with Galeão Approach and provided normal position reports. As the aircraft descended over Guanabara Bay, rainy conditions prevailed. During the descent, the nose wheel struck the water. Following this impact, the crew apparently attempted to continue the approach. However, the Constellation subsequently crashed near Flecheiras Beach, short of the Galeão runway. The aircraft was destroyed by the ensuing fire.
Casualties and Survivors
All 29 passengers and seven of the ten crew members were killed in the accident. Three crew members survived.
Investigation
The investigation determined that the crew's duty and flight time exceeded Brazilian regulatory limits, but remained within German limitations. The official probable cause stated that despite an exhaustive investigation, the actual cause could not be determined. However, the probable cause was considered to be pilot error in descending below the minimum altitude on final approach. Aircrew fatigue was considered a contributing factor.