The Latécoère 631 flying boat airliner was the largest aircraft of its kind at time of construction, which began in 1938 and ended with the beginning of World War II. Work resumed when France and Nazi Germany signed an armistice in 1940.
The 631 first flew on 4 November 1942. Eleven were constructed. Of the 11 built, five were lost in accidents and one was destroyed by RAF Mosquitos on 17 April 1944.
The first accident occurred on 31 October 1945.
“An Air France Latécoère 631 (F-BANT) was operating a flight from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to Montevideo, Uruguay, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, when the propeller of No. 3 engine separated in flight and debris struck the No. 2 engine. A propeller blade sliced a 3 metres (9.8 ft) hole in the cabin, killing two passengers. A small fire started and an emergency landing was made in the Laguna de Rocha, Uruguay. The aircraft was subsequently repaired and returned to service.[3] The celebrated poet, diplomat and composer Vinicius de Moraes and writer Rubem Braga, both Brazilians, were on board.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lat%C3%A9co%C3%A8re_631
The 631 in flight and a shot of the spacious fight deck:
http://1000aircraftphotos.com/Contributions/Braas/4550.htm
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.