Video Shows Recently Upgraded Brazilian AF-1B Skyhawk With Nosewheel Collapsed After Aborted Take Off

Video Shows Recently Upgraded Brazilian AF-1B Skyhawk With Nosewheel Collapsed After Aborted Take Off

By Dario Leone
Oct 22 2019
Share this article

The AF-1B Skyhawk can be seen nose-down at the end of the runway with a fire extender coming to rescue. The pilot who was seen running away from her aircraft.

Taken on Oct. 21, 2019 the video in this post shows an AF-1B Skyhawk belonging to the Comando da Força Aeronaval (CFA, Brazilian Navy) from VF-1 “Falcão” after an incident at its home base São Pedro da Aldeia Naval Air Base (BAeNSPA).

The aircraft can be seen nose-down at the end of the runway with a fire extender coming to rescue. The pilot who was seen running away from her Skyhawk, hopefully she escaped without injuries.

According to Scramble Magazine the aircraft involved in the mishap is the AF-1B Skyhawk serial N-1013, only redelivered after modernization on Sep. 6, 2019. It seems that the aircraft had to abort the take-off due to engine problems, and could not brake on time before reaching the end of the runway. The nosewheel collapsed and a short fire ensued after fuel leaked out of the external fuel tanks.

However, the Skyhawk looks repairable.

Brazil was the latest A-4 Skyhawk customer. In 1997 Brazil negotiated a $70 million contract for purchase of 20 A-4KU and three TA-4KU Skyhawks from Kuwait. Kuwait’s Skyhawks, modified A-4Ms and TA-4Js delivered in 1977, were among the last of those models built by Douglas. The aircraft were selected by Brazil because of low flight time, excellent physical condition, and a favorable price. The Brazilian Navy re-designated AF-1 and AF-1A Falcões (Hawks), the Kuwaiti Skyhawks arrived in Arraial do Cabo on Sep. 5, 1998.

On Jan. 18, 2001, an AF-1 trapped aboard the Brazilian aircraft carrier Minas Gerais was later successfully catapulted, making Brazil’s fixed-wing carrier force operational again after nearly two decades. To replace the aging Minas Gerais, Brazil purchased the surplus French aircraft carrier Foch on Nov. 15, 2001. Renamed São Paulo, the “new” carrier received extensive refitting before becoming operational in 2003. Minas Gerais was decommissioned and retired that year.

A-4 Print
This print is available in multiple sizes from AircraftProfilePrints.com – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS. A-4F Skyhawk VA-212 Rampant Riders, NP306 / 155019 / 1970

On Apr. 14, 2009, Embraer signed a contract to modernize 12 Brazilian Navy aircraft, nine AF-1s (single-seat) and three AF-1As (two-seat). This upgrade will restore the operating capacity of the Navy 1st Intercept and Attack Plane Squadron. The program includes restoring the aircraft and their current systems, as well as implementing new avionics, radar, power production, and autonomous oxygen generating systems. The first of the 12 modified Skyhawks was delivered on May 27, 2015. Embraer stated the modifications will allow the aircraft to remain operational until 2025.

Video Shows Recently Upgraded Brazilian AF-1B Skyhawk With Nosewheel Collapsed After Aborted Take Off
This model is available from AirModels – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS.

In 2017, the Brazilian Navy indicated that it was reconsidering the total number of aircraft to be modernized to AF-1B/C standard due to budget constraints and the decommissioning of the São Paulo. Two AF-1Bs were delivered in 2015 and a further two of undisclosed type are to be delivered in 2017. It is believed that despite the loss of its only carrier, the Navy wants to retain the experience of carrier-based operations, and thus will not rescind the contract outright.

Photo credit: Defesa Aereanaval


Share this article

Dario Leone

Dario Leone

Dario Leone is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. His writing has appeared in The National Interest and other news media. He has reported from Europe and flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Share this article


Share this article
Share this article

Always up to date! News and offers delivered directly to you!

Get the best aviation news, stories and features from The Aviation Geek Club in our newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.



    Share this article
    Back to top
    My Agile Privacy
    This website uses technical and profiling cookies. Clicking on "Accept" authorises all profiling cookies. Clicking on "Refuse" or the X will refuse all profiling cookies. By clicking on "Customise" you can select which profiling cookies to activate. We and our selected ad partners can store and/or access information on your device, such as cookies, unique identifiers, browsing data. You can always choose the specific purposes related to profiling by accessing the advertising preferences panel, and you can always withdraw your consent at any time by clicking on "Manage consent" at the bottom of the page.

    List of some possible advertising permissions:

    You can consult: our list of advertising partners, the Cookie Policy and the Privacy Policy.
    Warning: some page functionalities could not work due to your privacy choices