Fatal stall during go-around at São Luís-Marechal Cunha Machado Airport

23 fatalities • São Luís-Marechal Cunha Machado, Brazil • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed during a missed approach attempt near São Luís, resulting in the loss of all 23 people on board.

What happened

During the final approach phase toward São Luís-Marechal Cunha Machado Airport, the pilot-in-command initiated a go-around procedure while the aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 90 meters. During the subsequent climb, the aircraft type entered a high nose-up attitude which led to an aerodynamic stall. Following the stall, the plane banked toward the right and impacted the ground 760 meters away from the established approach path. The impact resulted in a post-crash fire that completely destroyed the airframe. There were 23 fatalities among the occupants of the flight.

Findings

Investigation into the crash sequence indicates that the aircraft experienced a loss of lift following the pitch-up maneuver. A significant contributing factor noted during the event was that the right engine failed to produce power at the time of impact.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered a stall and subsequent right bank after a high nose-up attitude was adopted during a go-around attempt.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1973-06-01 Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle accident near São Luís-Marechal Cunha Machado, Brazil?

An aircraft crashed during a missed approach attempt near São Luís, resulting in the loss of all 23 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1973-06-01 Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 23 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1973-06-01 involved a Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle, registration PP-PDX, operated by Cruzeiro do Sul, at São Luís-Marechal Cunha Machado, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered a stall and subsequent right bank after a high nose-up attitude was adopted during a go-around attempt.

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