JFK Arrival Flight 202: A Tragic Accident in the Amazon Basin

On April 29, 1952, Pan American World Airways Flight 202, a Boeing 377 Stratocruiser aircraft, crashed in the Amazon Basin, resulting in the loss of all 50 lives on board. The flight was en route from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, with a stopover at Kennedy International Airport in New York City.

The aircraft, registration N1039V, christened Clipper Good Hope, was making its third leg of a four-leg journey when disaster struck. The Boeing 377 Stratocruiser was equipped with four powerful Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major radial piston engines, each driven by a Hamilton Standard Model 24260 four-blade propeller.

At the time of the accident, the aircraft had accumulated a total of 6944 airframe hours in flight. The Boeing 377 Stratocruiser made its first flight on September 28, 1949, and was considered one of the most advanced airliners of its time.

The investigation into the crash was hindered by exceptionally unfavorable conditions, including dense fog and heavy rain. Despite this, investigators were able to recover wreckage from the scene and conduct a thorough examination. Based on their findings, it is believed that an engine had separated in flight after propeller blade failure, leading to loss of control and ultimate crash.

The accident remains one of the deadliest ever involving a Boeing 377 Stratocruiser, and serves as a reminder of the risks involved in air travel even today. The crew and passengers of Pan American World Airways Flight 202 will always be remembered for their tragic loss, and this accident serves as a testament to the importance of continued safety improvements in the aviation industry.

Jfk arrival flight 202