Sikorsky S-43 accident at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 26 Jun 1941 (NC16928)
On June 26, 1941, a Sikorsky S-43 (registration NC16928) operated by Panagra - Pan American-Grace Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong approach configuration on part of the crew and poor judgement on part of the pilot-in-command upon landing. The glassy water surface was considered as a contributory factor. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
Wrong approach configuration on part of the crew and poor judgement on part of the pilot-in-command upon landing. The glassy water surface was considered as a contributory factor.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The crew was performing a training flight in the Guanabara Bay, consisting of approaches and landings. On approach, the seaplane hit the water surface in a nose down attitude, overturned and sank. All four crew members were rescued.
Probable cause (official findings): Wrong approach configuration on part of the crew and poor judgement on part of the pilot-in-command upon landing. The glassy water surface was considered as a contributory factor.