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2 fatalities

Aircraft Crashes into Sea During Final Approach at Rio de Janeiro-Galeão Airport (PP-VLJ)

Rio de Janeiro-Galeão, BrazilLanding (descent or approach)

On June 9, 1973, a Boeing 707 (registration PP-VLJ) operated by VARIG - Viação Aérea Rio Grandense was involved in an aviation accident near Rio de Janeiro-Galeão, Brazil during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: On short final, with speed brake lever at 45° and inboard spoilers deactivated, the crew noted that the spoiler switch cover was open. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 707
Photo: USAF / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

On final approach to runway 14, an aircraft nosed down at 200 feet and crashed into the sea. Two crew members were rescued, two killed, and the aircraft destroyed. Investigation cites inadvertent spoiler activation.

Accident Description

While on final approach to runway 14 at Rio de Janeiro-Galeão Airport, the aircraft was at an altitude of 200 feet when it pitched nose-down and collided with the sea. The aircraft, carrying four crew members, was destroyed in the impact. Two crew members were rescued, while the other two were killed.

Investigative Conclusions

The official accident investigation presented a probable cause for the crash. According to the report, during the short final phase, the speed brake lever was positioned at 45°, and the inboard spoilers were in a deactivated state. The flight crew observed that the spoiler switch cover was open. It is theorized that the copilot inadvertently closed the spoiler switch cover, which resulted in the activation of the inboard spoiler. This deployment caused an uncommanded pitch-down moment, leading to the aircraft's descent into the sea.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jun 1973 Boeing 707 accident near Rio de Janeiro-Galeão, Brazil?

On final approach to runway 14, an aircraft nosed down at 200 feet and crashed into the sea. Two crew members were rescued, two killed, and the aircraft destroyed. Investigation cites inadvertent spoiler activation.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Jun 1973 Boeing 707 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jun 1973 involved a Boeing 707, registration PP-VLJ, operated by VARIG - Viação Aérea Rio Grandense, at Rio de Janeiro-Galeão, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

On short final, with speed brake lever at 45° and inboard spoilers deactivated, the crew noted that the spoiler switch cover was open. It is believed that the copilot mistakenly closed the spoiler switch cover and thus activated the inboard spoiler, causing the aircraft to pitch down and to crash into the sea.

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