8 fatalities

Twin-engine aircraft crash in Itaipu following engine issues after takeoff (PP-MTA)

Itaipu, BrazilTakeoff (climb)

On December 18, 1945, an Avro 652 Anson (registration PP-MTA) operated by Companha Meridional de Transportes Aéreos was involved in an aviation accident near Itaipu, Brazil during takeoff. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by an engine failure that led to a loss of control shortly after takeoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountain slope near Rio de Janeiro shortly after departure, resulting in the deaths of all eight people on board due to an engine failure.

What happened

The incident occurred immediately after the aircraft departed from Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport. During the initial climb phase, while flying over Pendotiba, the flight crew reported technical difficulties involving one of the engines to air traffic control. Shortly after this communication, the twin-engine airplane lost controllability. The aircraft subsequently impacted a mountain slope in the Itaipu district, located east of Rio de Janeiro. The force of the impact destroyed the airframe completely.

Findings

All eight occupants aboard the aircraft were killed in the accident. Official investigations identified engine failure as the primary cause of the event.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an engine failure that led to a loss of control shortly after takeoff.