13 fatalities

Go-Around Attempt After Left Engine Failure Leads to Crash in São Paulo (PP-CEV)

São Paulo-Congonhas, BrazilLanding (descent or approach)

On January 15, 1963, a Convair CV-240 (registration PP-CEV) operated by Cruzeiro do Sul was involved in an aviation accident near São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil during landing or approach. 13 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Control was lost while attempting a go around manoeuvre due to the failure of the left engine. It was reported that the crew failed to react properly to an emergency situation due, among others, to a lack of training. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During descent to São Paulo-Congonhas Airport in heavy rain, ATC instructed a go-around and diversion. The pilot lost control, the airplane stalled, and crashed into houses in Jabaquara, killing 13 and injuring 39.

Incident Overview

While descending to São Paulo-Congonhas Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with heavy rain and low visibility. Air traffic control (ATC) instructed the crew to execute a go-around and divert to another airport. The pilot-in-command initiated the go-around maneuver, during which control of the aircraft was lost. The airplane subsequently stalled and crashed onto several houses in the district of Jabaquara, less than one kilometer short of runway 35.

Circumstances

The accident occurred as the aircraft approached the airport under adverse weather. ATC directed the go-around due to the conditions. The pilot began the maneuver, but control was lost, leading to the stall and impact with residential structures. The exact sequence of events leading to the loss of control is detailed in the investigation.

Casualties and Damage

Three houses were destroyed in the crash, and the airplane was also destroyed. On board, one crew member and five passengers were killed. On the ground, seven people were killed. Additionally, 39 other individuals were injured. The crash site was in a populated area, resulting in significant casualties and property damage.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, control was lost while attempting a go-around maneuver due to the failure of the left engine. It was reported that the crew failed to react properly to an emergency situation, due in part to a lack of training.