Aircraft crash in São Paulo neighborhood results in multiple fatalities

16 fatalities • São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft crashed into residential buildings in the Jabaquara district of São Paulo following a loss of control during its initial climb.

What happened

During the early stages of flight following departure from São Paulo-Congonhas Airport, the aircraft entered a period of instability. While performing the initial climb, the pilot-in-command experienced significant difficulties managing the aircraft, leading to a total loss of control. The plane subsequently struck several residential structures within the Jabaquara neighborhood.

Following the impact, leaking fuel spread across the site. An attempt by an individual on the ground to use candles for illumination resulted in the ignition of the spilled fuel. This triggered a series of explosions at the crash site. The accident resulted in 10 fatalities among those on board the aircraft and 6 fatalities among residents on the ground.

Findings

Investigations into the incident suggest that the primary reason for the loss of control was pilot disorientation. This state was reportedly triggered by the failure of several flight instruments immediately after the aircraft had lifted off from the runway.

Probable cause

The pilot became disoriented following the failure of multiple cockpit instruments during the initial climb phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1951-09-08 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil?

An aircraft crashed into residential buildings in the Jabaquara district of São Paulo following a loss of control during its initial climb.

Were there any fatalities in the 1951-09-08 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 16 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1951-09-08 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration PP-SPQ, operated by VASP - Viação Aérea de São Paulo, at São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot became disoriented following the failure of multiple cockpit instruments during the initial climb phase.

Loading the flight search…