Junkers JU.52 accident at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 8 Nov 1940 (PP-SPF)
On November 8, 1940, a Junkers JU.52 (registration PP-SPF) operated by VASP - Viação Aérea de São Paulo was involved in an aviation accident near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil during takeoff. 18 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Both crews failed to see and avoid each other due to the poor visibility caused by the presence of clouds at low altitude. 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.
Probable cause
Both crews failed to see and avoid each other due to the poor visibility caused by the presence of clouds at low altitude.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
Shortly after its departure from Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport, while climbing in clouds to an altitude of some 1,500 feet, the three engine aircraft named 'Cidade de Santos' collided with a De Havilland DH.90 Dragonfly registered LV-KAB and operated by the Shell-Mex Company of Argentina. Its pilot was initiated an approach to the same airport when the collision occurred. Following the collision, both aircraft entered a dive and crashed into the Botafogo Bay, killing all 19 occupants.
Probable cause (official findings): Both crews failed to see and avoid each other due to the poor visibility caused by the presence of clouds at low altitude.