Investigation Summary
The accident occurred during a high-profile aerial display involving two Dornier Do J Wal flying boats, the P-BACA (Santos Dumont) and the P-BAIA (Guanabara). The P-BACA was a 1927-manufactured aircraft (MSN 83). The aircraft were flying at approximately 300 feet to drop welcome messages onto the SS Cap Arcona. During the demonstration, the two aircraft entered a collision course due to a pilot error. The pilot of the P-BACA, August Wilhem Paschen, executed a sharp evasive turn to avoid the P-BAIA. The aerodynamic loads imposed by this sudden maneuver exceeded the structural limits of the wing, causing a partial failure. The aircraft lost control and plunged into the bay near Cobras Island. Although the mechanic, Walter Hasseldorf, was initially rescued alive, he died from his injuries hours later. The recovery operation was further marred by the death of a Brazilian Navy diver during the salvage of the wreckage and bodies.
Final Conclusions
The crash was attributed to a structural failure of the wing triggered by an abrupt evasive maneuver. This maneuver was necessitated by a near-collision situation caused by pilot error during the formation flight. The accident is recorded as the first involving a commercial aircraft in Brazil, though it was operating as a special demonstration flight at the time.
Video Analysis
1928 Dornier J Santos Dumont crash — A brief overview of the 1928 seaplane crash in Guanabara Bay that killed 14 people and deeply affected aviation pioneer Alberto Santos Dumont.
If playback is blocked, the owner has disabled embedding — use the link above.
Airframe & Maintenance
Syndicato Condor P-BACA — Dornier Do J Wal · P-BACA
Systems & Failure Modes
Wing Structure
The wing suffered a catastrophic failure when subjected to high G-loads during an abrupt evasive turn at low altitude.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was named after Alberto Santos Dumont, who witnessed the crash from the deck of the SS Cap Arcona.
- 02A Brazilian Navy diver died during the subsequent recovery operation for the wreckage.
- 03The P-BACA had previously been damaged in an accident earlier that year on February 28, 1928.
- 04The crash resulted in the cancellation of all planned festivities for Santos Dumont's return.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Suspension of Festivities
Following the crash, Alberto Santos Dumont requested the immediate cancellation of all celebratory events planned for his return to Brazil out of respect for the victims.