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33 fatalities

Aircraft Crash at Aracaju Airport (PP-LPG)

Aracaju, BrazilLanding (descent or approach)

On July 12, 1951, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration PP-LPG) operated by Loide Aéreo Nacional was involved in an aviation accident near Aracaju, Brazil during landing or approach. 33 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot in command decided to complete the approach under VFR while IFR prevailed due to poor weather conditions and low visibility. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed in a field near Aracaju Airport after hitting a tree during a low-visibility approach. All 33 occupants, including Rio Grande do Norte Governor Jerônimo Dix-Sept Rosado Maia, were killed.

Incident Overview and Weather Conditions<br><br>During an approach to Aracaju Airport, the aircraft encountered poor weather conditions characterized by heavy rain and low visibility. Approximately three kilometers from the runway threshold, the aircraft struck a tree and subsequently crashed into a field, where it caught fire.<br><br>## Casualties and Occupants<br><br>Rescue teams required 11 hours to reach the crash site, where no survivors were found. The aircraft carried 33 occupants, which included four members of the government from the State of Rio Grande do Norte. Among the fatalities was Governor Jerônimo Dix-Sept Rosado Maia.<br><br>## Aircraft and Operational Details<br><br>The aircraft involved in the accident was leased from Loide Aéreo Nacional to Linhas Aéreas Paulistas. The official investigation determined that the pilot in command decided to complete the approach under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) despite the prevailing Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions caused by the poor weather and low visibility.

Probable cause

The pilot in command decided to complete the approach under VFR while IFR prevailed due to poor weather conditions and low visibility.
Weather

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Jul 1951 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Aracaju, Brazil?

An aircraft crashed in a field near Aracaju Airport after hitting a tree during a low-visibility approach. All 33 occupants, including Rio Grande do Norte Governor Jerônimo Dix-Sept Rosado Maia, were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Jul 1951 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 33 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Jul 1951 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration PP-LPG, operated by Loide Aéreo Nacional, at Aracaju, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot in command decided to complete the approach under VFR while IFR prevailed due to poor weather conditions and low visibility.

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