Artur de Sacadura Freire Cabral, GCTE (23 May 1881 – 15 November 1924), known simply as Sacadura Cabral (Portuguese pronunciation: [sɐkɐˈðuɾɐ kɐˈβɾal]), was a Portuguese aviation pioneer. He, together with fellow aviator Gago Coutinho, conducted the first flight across the South Atlantic Ocean in 1922, and also the first using only astronomical navigation, from Lisbon, Portugal, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Sacadura Cabral | |
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Born | Artur de Sacadura Freire Cabral 23 May 1881 |
Disappeared | 15 November 1924 (aged 43) Northern Sea |
Occupation | Portuguese Navy officer |
Known for | First aerial crossing of the South Atlantic |
Parents |
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Military career | |
Allegiance | Portugal |
Service/ | Portuguese Navy |
On 15 November 1924, he disappeared while flying over the English Channel, along with his co-pilot, Mechanical Corporal José Correia, due to fog and his shortening eyesight (which never kept him from flying). Although some mechanical wreckage from his seaplane was discovered four days later, the bodies were never recovered. [1] A statue dedicated to them is located in Lisbon. Another statue is located in his hometown, Celorico da Beira. He was the granduncle of Portuguese politicians Miguel Portas and Paulo Portas.