No fatalities

1973-12-23: Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle (PP-PDV) — Cruzeiro do Sul — Ponta Pelada AFB, Manaus, Brazil

Ponta Pelada AFB, Manaus, BrazilLanding (descent or approach)

On December 23, 1973, a Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle (registration PP-PDV) operated by Cruzeiro do Sul was involved in an aviation accident near Ponta Pelada AFB, Manaus, Brazil during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong approach configuration on part of the flight crew who continued the descent while the aircraft was too high on the glide and unstable with an excessive approach speed. 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 1781231913Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane landed 848 meters past the runway threshold after a wrong approach configuration, overran on a wet runway, lost its landing gear, and caught fire. All 58 occupants evacuated, with five injuries; the aircraft was destroyed.

Incident Overview

During an approach to Runway 26, the flight crew configured the aircraft incorrectly for landing. As a result, the airplane touched down 848 meters beyond the runway threshold, leaving insufficient distance to stop. The aircraft overran the runway, losing its undercarriage during the excursion, and came to rest in flames a few dozen meters past the end of the paved surface.

Occupant Evacuation and Injuries

All 58 occupants aboard successfully evacuated the cabin. Five individuals sustained injuries during the incident. The aircraft itself was damaged beyond economic repair.

Runway and Environmental Conditions

The runway surface was wet and contaminated by heavy rainfall at the time of the accident. These conditions reduced the available braking friction, contributing to the inability to stop within the remaining runway length.

Sequence of Events

Investigators determined that the crew continued the descent despite being too high on the glideslope and maintaining an unstable approach with excessive speed. This incorrect approach configuration led to the long landing. The aircraft overran the wet runway at a speed of approximately 80 knots before coming to a halt off the runway.

Probable Cause (Official Findings)

The accident’s probable cause was a wrong approach configuration by the flight crew, who continued the descent while the aircraft was too high on the glide and unstable with an excessive approach speed. This caused the airplane to land too far down the runway. In the wet, contaminated conditions, the aircraft could not stop within the remaining distance and overran at 80 knots. The crew should have initiated a go-around maneuver given the unstable approach and incorrect configuration.