On August 30, 1975, a Rockwell Aero Commander 500 (registration PT-IQG) operated by Centrais Elétricas de Santa Catarina (Celesc) was involved in an aviation accident near Joaçaba-Santa Terezinha, Brazil during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to realize the aircraft's altitude was too low. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
During approach to Joaçaba-Santa Terezinha Airport, a twin-engine airplane struck a hill about 7 km away. The crew failed to maintain sufficient altitude. Five occupants were killed and a nine-year-old boy was seriously injured.
Accident Narrative
While on approach to land at Joaçaba-Santa Terezinha Airport, a twin-engine airplane collided with a hill approximately 7 kilometers from the airport. The crew failed to recognize that the aircraft's altitude was too low to clear the rising terrain. The aircraft impacted the hill, resulting in substantial damage. The hill was situated along the approach path.
Injuries and Fatalities
The accident killed five of the seven occupants and seriously injured a nine-year-old boy. The deceased were identified as crew members Mário Eberle Schaefer and Hans Adolfo Haeger, and passengers Adolfo Zigelli, Airton Saul Pretto, Sérgio Antônio Pretto, and Rodrigo Bonato. The injured boy was not named in the initial report.
Probable cause
The crew failed to realize the aircraft's altitude was too low.
What happened in the 30 Aug 1975 Rockwell Aero Commander 500 accident near Joaçaba-Santa Terezinha, Brazil?
During approach to Joaçaba-Santa Terezinha Airport, a twin-engine airplane struck a hill about 7 km away. The crew failed to maintain sufficient altitude. Five occupants were killed and a nine-year-old boy was seriously injured.
Were there any fatalities in the 30 Aug 1975 Rockwell Aero Commander 500 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Aug 1975 involved a Rockwell Aero Commander 500, registration PT-IQG, operated by Centrais Elétricas de Santa Catarina (Celesc), at Joaçaba-Santa Terezinha, Brazil.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The crew failed to realize the aircraft's altitude was too low.
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