Crash of a North American B-25J Mitchell in Fortaleza: 3 killed

Date & Time: May 24, 1954 at 1440 LT
Operator:
Registration:
5129
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Fortaleza - Fortaleza
Country:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from runway 31 at Fortaleza Airport, while climbing, the airplane went out of control and crashed in the district of Antônio Berezza, about 6 km northwest of the airfield. The airplane was destroyed and all three crew members were killed.
Probable cause:
Loss of control following an engine explosion during initial climb.

Crash of a Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina in Marabá

Date & Time: May 13, 1954
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
PT-AMR
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
1995
YOM:
1944
Location:
Country:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
Apparently following engine problems, the crew was forced to attempt an emergency landing on the Río Tocantins in Marabá. All three passengers were unhurt while all three crew members were injured. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Crash of a Curtiss C-46D-10-CU Commando in Rio de Janeiro

Date & Time: Mar 4, 1954
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
PP-LPH
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Rio de Janeiro - Rio de Janeiro
MSN:
33283
YOM:
1945
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The crew was completing a training flight at Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport, consisting of several touch and goes. On approach, the instructor decided to perform a single engine landing and shot down one engine. For unknown reason, the airplane landed hard on one wheel and bounced. The instructor also noted that another airplane was entering the runway so he decided to make a go around and increased power on the second engine. Few seconds later, while in initial climb, the second engine lost power. The airplane lost speed, stalled and hit the mast of a boat before crashing into the Guanabara Bay. Both pilots were rescued while the aircraft was destroyed.

Crash of a Junkers JU.52/3m off Maricá: 2 killed

Date & Time: Dec 12, 1953 at 1700 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
PP-DZY
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Vitória – Rio de Janeiro
MSN:
6510
YOM:
1939
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
The crew was performing a cargo flight from Vitória to Rio de Janeiro. The three engine aircraft was spotted in poor weather conditions between the cities of Araruama, Saquarema and Maricá, between 1600 and 1700LT. It then disappeared in unknown circumstances. No trace of the aircraft nor the crew was found. It is possible the aircraft crashed into the Ocean off Maricá.

Crash of a Consolidated PA-10 Catalina in Marabá: 4 killed

Date & Time: Oct 31, 1953 at 0740 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
6500
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
1059
Location:
Country:
Crew on board:
5
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Circumstances:
One minute after takeoff from Marabá, the aircraft crashed near a fuel depot located along the Rio Tocantins. Four crew members were killed, a fifth was rescued.

Crash of a Curtiss C-46A-1-CU Commando in São Paulo

Date & Time: Sep 14, 1953 at 1630 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
PP-LDM
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
26397
YOM:
1943
Country:
Crew on board:
5
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
12
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Congonhas Airport, the crew encountered technical problems with the left engine and received the permission to return for an emergency landing. On final approach in poor weather conditions, the pilot-in-command decided to make a go around for unknown reason. Few minutes later, while completing a last turn to join the approach path, the airplane stalled and crashed in an eucalyptus plant located few hundred yards short of runway. All 17 occupants were evacuated, among them few passengers were injured. The captain was seriously injured and the aircraft was destroyed.
Probable cause:
Failure of the left engine shortly after takeoff for unknown reason.

Crash of a Douglas C-47A-20-DK in Rio de Janeiro

Date & Time: Sep 12, 1953
Operator:
Registration:
2051
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
13109
YOM:
1944
Country:
Crew on board:
0
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
During the takeoff roll, a hydraulic failure occurred, forcing the crew to reject takeoff. An emergency braking procedure was attempted but unable to stop within the remaining distance, the aircraft overran and plunged into the bay of Guanabara. All occupants were evacuated safely while the aircraft sank five minutes later.
Probable cause:
Failure of the hydraulic system.

Crash of a Douglas C-47A-DL off Rio de Janeiro: 4 killed

Date & Time: Sep 2, 1953
Operator:
Registration:
2049
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Rio de Janeiro - Rio de Janeiro
MSN:
13862
YOM:
1943
Country:
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Circumstances:
The crew was completing a local training sortie at Rio de Janeiro-Galeão Airport. In flight, the aircraft went out of control and crashed into the Guanabara Bay, off the island of Boqueirão. All four crew members were killed.

Crash of a Douglas C-47-DL in Campo Grande

Date & Time: Aug 23, 1953 at 2000 LT
Operator:
Registration:
PP-YQK
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
São Paulo – Presidente Prudente – Campo Grande
MSN:
4732
YOM:
1942
Country:
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The approach to Campo Grande Airport was started in poor weather conditions with low clouds, rain falls and turbulences. On final, the pilot-in-command decided to make a go around. Few minutes later, a second attempt to land was also abandoned and during the third attempt, the aircraft was too low, hit the ground and crashed in a field located 6 km short of runway. All four crew members were injured and the aircraft was written off.
Probable cause:
The pilot decided to continue the third approach at a too low altitude in gusty winds, below the minimum prescribed altitude. Poor weather conditions were considered as a contributory factor, as well as the fact that the ground lighting system was insufficient, especially in adverse weather conditions.

Crash of a Curtiss C-46AA-60-CK Commando in Corumbá: 3 killed

Date & Time: Aug 20, 1953
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
PP-ITD
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
443
YOM:
1945
Country:
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Circumstances:
On final approach to Corumbá Airport, the pilot-in-command decided to make a go around for unknown reason. While in initial climb, the airplane stalled and crashed. Three crew members were killed while a fourth was injured.