Crash of a Douglas C-54A-15-DC Skymaster in Santa Maria

Date & Time: Sep 22, 1948
Type of aircraft:
Douglas C-54 Skymaster
Operator:
Registration:
XA-GUU
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Madrid – Santa Maria – Mexico City
MSN:
10390
YOM:
1944
Location:
Santa Maria
Azores Islands
Country:
Portugal
Region:
Europe
Crew on board:
9
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
35
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
Just after liftoff from Vila do Porto Airport (Santa Maria Island), while in initial climb, the aircraft suffered a loss of power on one engine. It stalled, hit the runway surface and came to rest. There were no injuries among the 44 occupants but the aircraft was considered as damaged beyond repair. The four engine aircraft was performing a flight from Madrid to Mexico City with an intermediate stop in Vila do Porto.
Probable cause:
Loss of engine power on takeoff.

Crash of a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor off Ponta Delgada: 6 killed

Date & Time: Aug 5, 1947 at 1020 LT
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor
Operator:
Registration:
CS-TAA
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
No
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Schedule:
Ponta Delgada - Santa Maria
MSN:
6076
Location:
Ponta Delgada
Azores Islands
Country:
Portugal
Region:
Europe
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Aircraft flight hours:
600
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Ponta Delgada Airport, while in initial climb, the twin engine aircraft went out of control and crashed into the sea few km off shore. Few debris were found on water surface but all six occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty as the wreckage was not found.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft D18S in Santa Maria: 2 killed

Date & Time: Mar 24, 1947
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft D18
Operator:
Registration:
SU-AED
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Delivery
Survivors:
No
Site:
Mountains
Schedule:
Wichita – Montreal – Gander – Santa Maria – Cairo
MSN:
A-368
Location:
Santa Maria
Azores Islands
Country:
Portugal
Region:
Europe
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
While approaching Santa Maria Airport, the twin engine aircraft hit the slope of a mountain and crashed. Both occupants were killed. The crew was performing a delivery flight from Wichita to Cairo with intermediate stops in Montreal, Gander and Santa Maria.

Crash of a Lockheed 1 Vega in Santa Maria: 4 killed

Date & Time: May 26, 1937
Type of aircraft:
Lockheed 1 Vega
Operator:
Joe Lewis Air Service
Registration:
NC7427
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Santa Maria – Los Angeles
MSN:
15
YOM:
1928
Location:
Santa Maria
California
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Santa Maria Airport, while climbing to a height of 100 feet, the single engine airplane stalled and crashed, bursting into flames. All four occupants were killed.
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