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16 fatalities

Aircraft Crash in Jabaquara, São Paulo (PP-SPQ)

São Paulo-Congonhas, BrazilTakeoff (climb)

On September 8, 1951, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration PP-SPQ) operated by VASP - Viação Aérea de São Paulo was involved in an aviation accident near São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil during takeoff. 16 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that the loss of control was caused by a disorientation on part of the pilot-in-command after several instruments failed after liftoff. 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 into houses in Jabaquara, São Paulo, shortly after takeoff from Congonhas Airport, killing all ten occupants and six people on the ground.

Incident Overview and Casualties Shortly after departing from São Paulo-Congonhas Airport, the aircraft encountered problems during its initial climb. The pilot-in-command lost control of the aircraft, which subsequently crashed into several houses in the Jabaquara neighborhood. The impact resulted in the deaths of all ten people on board the aircraft. Additionally, six people on the ground were killed. ## Ground Conditions and Secondary Events Following the crash, fuel flowed onto the ground. In an effort to improve visibility, someone on the ground lit candles. The fuel ignited, leading to several explosions. These secondary events contributed to the fatalities among the people on the ground.

Probable cause

It is believed that the loss of control was caused by a disorientation on part of the pilot-in-command after several instruments failed after liftoff.

Related events

Same operator

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