No fatalities

Training Flight Crash at Brasília Airport (PP-SPK)

Brasília, BrazilLanding (descent or approach)

On June 6, 1964, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration PP-SPK) operated by VASP - Viação Aérea de São Paulo was involved in an aviation accident near Brasília, Brazil during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the pilot under training to use the propeller controls properly and incorrect supervision on part of the instructor. 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
Aircraft registered PP-SPK
Aircraft registered PP-SPK. Photo: Kambui / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A training flight at Brasília Airport crashed after a simulated engine failure led to a stall and uncontrolled impact. Both crew members were injured, and the aircraft was destroyed.

Accident Overview

A training flight operating out of Brasília Airport ended in a crash during a simulated emergency landing. The aircraft was conducting a local training mission with an instructor and a pilot under training on board.

Sequence of Events

On final approach, the instructor simulated an emergency landing with the right engine at reduced power. During this maneuver, the airplane stalled and struck the ground short of the runway threshold. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce. As the left engine failed to respond properly, the airplane stalled again and crashed.

Injuries and Damage

Both crew members sustained injuries. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the failure of the pilot under training to use the propeller controls properly and incorrect supervision on the part of the instructor.