Pan Am Flight 202

Pan American World Airways
Flight 202
A Boeing 377 Stratocruiser
operated by Pan American World Airways, similar to the aircraft lost in the accident.
Accident
DateApril 29, 1952 (1952-04-29)
SummaryEngine separation, in-flight breakup
Site281 nautical miles (520 km) SW of Carolina, Brazil
9°45′7.11″S 50°47′3.13″W / 9.7519750°S 50.7842028°W / -9.7519750; -50.7842028
Aircraft
Aircraft typeBoeing 377
Stratocruiser 10-26
Aircraft nameClipper Good Hope
OperatorPan American World Airways
Call signCLIPPER 202
RegistrationN1039V
Flight originBuenos Aires, Argentina
1st stopoverMontevideo, Uruguay
2nd stopoverRio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport, Brazil
3rd stopoverPort of Spain-Piarco Airport, Trinidad and Tobago
DestinationIdlewild Airport (now John F. Kennedy International Airport), New York City, United States
Occupants50
Passengers41
Crew9
Fatalities50
Survivors0

Pan American World Airways Flight 202 was a Boeing 377 Stratocruiser aircraft that crashed in the Amazon Basin about 281 nautical miles (320 mi; 520 km) southwest of Carolina, Brazil, on April 29, 1952. The accident happened en route from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, during the third leg of a four-leg journey. All 50 people on board were killed in the deadliest-ever accident involving the Boeing 377.

The investigation took place under exceptionally unfavorable conditions, and the exact cause of the crash was not established. However, it was theorized based on an examination of the wreckage that an engine had separated in flight after propeller blade failure.