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Left Engine Failure Prompts Rejected Takeoff and Runway Overrun (PT-JDX)

São Paulo-Congonhas, BrazilTakeoff (climb)

On December 26, 1978, a Learjet 25 (registration PT-JDX) operated by TAM Brasil - Taxi Aéreo Marilia - Transportes Aéreos Regionais was involved in an aviation accident near São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the left engine for unknown reasons. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff on a wet runway, the left engine failed, leading to a rejected takeoff. The aircraft overran, lost its undercarriage, and was damaged beyond repair. All six occupants were uninjured. The probable cause was left engine failure for unknown reasons.

Event Description

During the takeoff roll on a wet runway 34, the left engine failed. The flight crew promptly abandoned the takeoff procedure and initiated emergency braking. Despite these efforts, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining runway distance. It overran the runway, descended an embankment, lost its undercarriage, and came to rest several dozen meters beyond the runway end.

Aftermath

All six occupants, including four passengers who were members of the Brazilian government, among them the secretary of finances, escaped uninjured. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be failure of the left engine for unknown reasons.

Engine failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Dec 1978 Learjet 25 accident near São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil?

During takeoff on a wet runway, the left engine failed, leading to a rejected takeoff. The aircraft overran, lost its undercarriage, and was damaged beyond repair. All six occupants were uninjured. The probable cause was left engine failure for unknown reasons.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Dec 1978 Learjet 25 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Dec 1978 involved a Learjet 25, registration PT-JDX, operated by TAM Brasil - Taxi Aéreo Marilia - Transportes Aéreos Regionais, at São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the left engine for unknown reasons.

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