21 fatalities

Four-engine aircraft crash into Tijuca National Park during approach to Rio de Janeiro-Galeão (LV-XIG)

Rio de Janeiro, BrazilLanding (descent or approach)

On December 23, 1946, an Avro 685 York (registration LV-XIG) operated by Flota Aerea Mercante Argentina - FAMA was involved in an aviation accident near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil during landing or approach. 21 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck the mountain slope because it was too low during the approach in poor visibility conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 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 four-engine aircraft struck a mountain slope in Tijuca National Park while approaching Rio de Janeiro-Galeão Airport in poor weather, resulting in the deaths of all 21 occupants.

What happened

During the final approach to Rio de Janeiro-Galeão Airport, the flight crew encountered deteriorating meteorological conditions characterized by low visibility. The aircraft was on an inbound track from the southwest when it descended below the safe glide path. Consequently, the airframe impacted the terrain of a mountain slope within Tijuca National Park. The collision with the ground resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and the fatalities of all 21 people on board.

Findings

The accident occurred during the approach phase under adverse weather conditions that limited visual references. The primary contributing factor was the aircraft being at an insufficient altitude relative to the terrain, leading to a controlled flight into terrain event.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck the mountain slope because it was too low during the approach in poor visibility conditions.