What happened
While operating a scheduled service for Varig, an aircraft was performing a multi-leg journey from Jaguarão to Porto Alegre, including stops at Pelotas and Rio Grande. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft began to drift toward the right side of the runway. In an attempt to stabilize the plane, the pilot-in-command applied corrections that caused the aircraft to swing violently to the left. This maneuver resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway surface.
During the excursion, the aircraft struck two stationary DC-3 planes, identified by registrations PP-ABZ and PP-HDJ. The impact triggered a significant fire that consumed all three involved aircraft. Although the two parked planes were unoccupied, the accident resulted in 10 fatalities, consisting of both pilots and eight passengers from the departing flight. Other individuals on board sustained injuries during the event.
Findings
Investigations into the incident concluded that the primary factor was pilot error involving the improper application of brakes and flight controls while the aircraft was on the ground. Additionally, it was determined that the crew had utilized an incorrect takeoff configuration.