Miami – Port of Spain – Natal – Rio de Janeiro – Buenos Aires

On April 11, 1936 at 05:00 AM, Miami – Port of Spain – Natal – Rio de Janeiro – Buenos Aires experienced a crash involving Sikorsky S-42, operated by Pan American World Airways - PAA, with the event recorded near Port of Spain All Trinidad and Tobago.

The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

25 people were known to be on board, 3 fatalities were recorded, 22 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 12.0%.

Crew on board: 7, crew fatalities: 1, passengers on board: 18, passenger fatalities: 2, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. After takeoff from the harbor of Port of Spain, while climbing by night, captain saw a boat and made a sharp turn to avoid the collision. Nevertheless, the right pontoon hit the boat and the aircraft stalled before crashing into the bay. A crew and two passengers were drowned while all 22 other occupants were rescued. The aircraft christened 'Antilles Clipper' was lost. It was night at the time of the accident so the visibility was poor. Crew distinguished the boat to late and the avoiding manoeuvre was to late as well.

Aircraft reference details include registration NC15374, MSN 4204, year of manufacture 1934.