No fatalities

Engine Failure During Climb Results in Crash in Rio de Janeiro (PP-AEU)

Rio de Janeiro, BrazilTakeoff (climb)

On March 12, 1941, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration PP-AEU) operated by Aeroclube do Brasil was involved in an aviation accident near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure 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 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff in the Manguinhos district of Rio de Janeiro following an engine failure, resulting in serious injuries to both occupants.

What happened

The incident occurred immediately after the aircraft departed the runway. While climbing to an altitude of approximately 60 metres, the airplane experienced a total loss of power due to an engine failure. Unable to maintain airspeed or altitude, the aircraft entered a stall and descended rapidly into the Manguinhos district of Rio de Janeiro. The impact with the ground resulted in the destruction of the airframe. Both individuals on board sustained serious injuries but survived the crash.

Findings

The official investigation identified the immediate cause of the accident as an engine failure that occurred during the initial climb phase following takeoff.

Probable cause

Engine failure after takeoff.