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15 fatalities

Twin-engine aircraft crash near Pedra Branca during approach to São Paulo (PP-PBG)

Pedra Branca, BrazilLanding (descent or approach)

On September 28, 1942, a Lockheed 18 LodeStar (registration PP-PBG) operated by Panair do Brasil was involved in an aviation accident near Pedra Branca, Brazil during landing or approach. 15 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crash was attributed to controlled flight into terrain. 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 2026-08-26Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountain slope near Pedra Branca while descending to São Paulo-Congonhas in poor visibility, resulting in the deaths of all 15 occupants on board.

What happened

The twin engine airplane departed from Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport for a scheduled flight to São Paulo-Congonhas. The aircraft was carrying 11 passengers and four crew members, totaling 15 individuals on board. During the descent phase toward the destination airport, air traffic control notified the flight crew that weather conditions at Congonhas were deteriorating.

Shortly after receiving this information, the aircraft entered an area of limited visibility. The plane subsequently impacted the slope of a mountain located near Pedra Branca, approximately 25 kilometers east of the airport. All 15 occupants perished in the accident.

Probable cause

The crash was attributed to controlled flight into terrain.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Sept 1942 Lockheed 18 LodeStar accident near Pedra Branca, Brazil?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountain slope near Pedra Branca while descending to São Paulo-Congonhas in poor visibility, resulting in the deaths of all 15 occupants on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Sept 1942 Lockheed 18 LodeStar accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 15 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Sept 1942 involved a Lockheed 18 LodeStar, registration PP-PBG, operated by Panair do Brasil, at Pedra Branca, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crash was attributed to controlled flight into terrain.

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