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Fuel Line Rupture Causes Emergency Landing in Prairie (PT-MQH)

Birigui, BrazilFlight

On August 30, 2002, a Fokker 100 (registration PT-MQH) operated by TAM Brasil - Taxi Aéreo Marilia - Transportes Aéreos Regionais was involved in an aviation accident near Birigui, Brazil in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Both engines stopped following the rupture of a fuel line connected to the right engine, causing a major fuel leak. The disconnection of the fuel line was the consequence of the rupture of an aluminium ring. 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 report: the Brazilian Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A scheduled flight from São Paulo-Guarulhos to Campo Grande diverted to Araçatuba after a fuel system issue. Both engines failed on approach, forcing an emergency landing in a prairie. All 29 occupants evacuated, with four sustaining minor injuries.

Flight Details and Emergency Declaration The aircraft departed São Paulo-Guarulhos Airport on scheduled flight JJ3804 to Campo Grande, carrying 24 passengers and five crew members. Less than an hour into the flight, while cruising at flight level 350, the crew encountered technical problems with the fuel system. The crew declared an emergency and was cleared to divert to Araçatuba Airport. ## Engine Failure and Emergency Landing During the approach to Araçatuba Airport, both engines failed at an altitude of 1,639 feet. The captain determined that the airport could not be reached and attempted an emergency landing in a prairie located 29.5 kilometers from the airport. Upon landing, the aircraft lost its undercarriage, slid on the ground, killed a cow, and came to rest. ## Occupant Outcomes and Aircraft Damage All 29 occupants evacuated the aircraft. Four of them were slightly injured. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Probable cause

Both engines stopped following the rupture of a fuel line connected to the right engine, causing a major fuel leak. The disconnection of the fuel line was the consequence of the rupture of an aluminium ring.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Aug 2002 Fokker 100 accident near Birigui, Brazil?

A scheduled flight from São Paulo-Guarulhos to Campo Grande diverted to Araçatuba after a fuel system issue. Both engines failed on approach, forcing an emergency landing in a prairie. All 29 occupants evacuated, with four sustaining minor injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Aug 2002 Fokker 100 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Aug 2002 involved a Fokker 100, registration PT-MQH, operated by TAM Brasil - Taxi Aéreo Marilia - Transportes Aéreos Regionais, at Birigui, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Both engines stopped following the rupture of a fuel line connected to the right engine, causing a major fuel leak. The disconnection of the fuel line was the consequence of the rupture of an aluminium ring.

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