1 fatality

1976-01-14: Rockwell Sabreliner 40 (N85) — Federal Aviation Administration - FAA — Recife, Brazil

Recife, BrazilFlight

On January 14, 1976, a Rockwell Sabreliner 40 (registration N85) operated by Federal Aviation Administration - FAA was involved in an aviation accident near Recife, Brazil in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Double engine failure caused by a fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781229527Data APIEditorial standards

During descent to Recife-Guararapes Airport, both engines failed simultaneously due to fuel exhaustion. The captain ditched the aircraft offshore; two crew members were rescued, one drowned. The aircraft sank.

Event Details

While descending to Recife-Guararapes Airport, both engines failed simultaneously. The captain reduced altitude and ditched the airplane a few dozen kilometers offshore. Two crew members were rescued, while a third crew member drowned. The aircraft sank into the Atlantic Ocean and was lost.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was a double engine failure caused by fuel exhaustion.

Contributing Factors

The investigation reported the following contributing factors:

  • Navigational error on the part of the crew
  • Fuel exhaustion
  • Complete engine failure
  • Wrote wrong course on navigation chart