20 fatalities

Fatal Aircraft Crash at Londrina Airport (PP-SPP)

Londrina, BrazilLanding (descent or approach)

On September 14, 1969, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration PP-SPP) operated by VASP - Viação Aérea de São Paulo was involved in an aviation accident near Londrina, Brazil during landing or approach. 20 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Technical problems encountered en route with the left engine for undetermined reason. 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

An aircraft crashed near Londrina Airport after an in-flight emergency involving the left engine. The pilot attempted a return landing, but the plane went out of control on final approach, killing all twenty occupants.

Incident Overview

The incident occurred during a commercial flight operating between Campo Grande and São Paulo-Congonhas. The aircraft departed Londrina Airport at 1833LT for its final leg to the destination. Approximately fifty minutes after takeoff, the flight crew reported encountering technical difficulties.

Emergency Response

Due to the nature of the technical problems, the crew was required to shut down the left engine and feather its propeller. The captain initiated a diversion to return to Londrina Airport for an emergency landing. An alternative approach at Ourinhos Airport was ruled out because the facility lacked lighting suitable for night operations.

Crash Details

While on final approach to runway 12 at Londrina, the aircraft lost control and crashed in flames less than two kilometers from the airfield boundary. The impact resulted in severe casualties among the twenty occupants on board. One passenger survived the initial crash with serious injuries, while the remaining nineteen occupants were killed immediately. Hours later, the sole survivor succumbed to his injuries at a medical facility.

Probable cause

Technical problems encountered en route with the left engine for undetermined reason.