1963-01-15: Convair CV-240 (PP-CEV) — Cruzeiro do Sul — São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil

13 fatalitiesSão Paulo-Congonhas, BrazilLanding (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into residential buildings in Jabaquara after losing control during a go-around maneuver at São Paulo-Congonhas Airport.

What happened

During an approach to São Paulo-Congonhas Airport, the flight crew encountered severe weather characterized by heavy rainfall and significantly reduced visibility. Due to these deteriorating conditions, air traffic controllers directed the aircraft to perform a go-around and divert to an alternative airfield.

As the pilot-in-command initiated the missed approach procedure, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of control. The plane entered a stall and descended into the Jabaquara district, striking several residential structures located less than one kilometer from runway 35. The impact resulted in the destruction of three houses along with the wreckage of the aircraft. The accident resulted in 13 fatalities, including one crew member, five passengers, and seven individuals on the ground. Additionally, 39 injuries were reported among the occupants and those affected by the crash.

Findings

Investigations determined that the loss of control during the go-around was triggered by a failure of the left engine. Furthermore, it was concluded that the crew did not respond appropriately to the developing emergency, which was attributed in part to insufficient training.

Probable cause

The aircraft stalled and crashed following a left engine failure during a missed approach, compounded by inadequate crew response to the emergency.