2 fatalities

Night Takeoff Accident Off Ilha Rasa, Rio de Janeiro (PP-NAZ)

Rio de Janeiro, BrazilTakeoff (climb)

On November 22, 1959, a Douglas C-53 Skytrooper (DC-3) (registration PP-NAZ) operated by Navegação Aérea Brasileira - NAB was involved in an aviation accident near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil during takeoff. 2 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 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 the sea about 16 km off Ilha Rasa, south of Rio de Janeiro, shortly after a night takeoff from Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport. The crew was completing a pilot proficiency check flight.

Incident Overview and Location Details The accident occurred shortly after a night takeoff from Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport. While climbing, the airplane went out of control and crashed into the sea about 16 km off Ilha Rasa, south of Rio de Janeiro. ## Search and Recovery Few debris were found floating on the water a few hours after the crash. The main wreckage and the bodies of both pilots were found later on. ## Operational Context The crew was completing a pilot proficiency check flight at the time of the accident. No specific aircraft type, registration, date, operator, or cause is provided in the source material.