18 fatalities

Twin-engine jet crashes on final approach to Congonhas Airport (PP-PBI)

São Paulo-Congonhas, BrazilLanding (descent or approach)

On August 30, 1944, a Lockheed 18 LodeStar (registration PP-PBI) operated by Panair do Brasil was involved in an aviation accident near São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil during landing or approach. 18 people were killed. 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 reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed shortly before the runway at Congonhas Airport during night operations in foggy conditions, resulting in the deaths of all 18 people on board.

What happened

During a final approach to Congonhas Airport, the flight crew encountered significantly reduced visibility due to nighttime and foggy weather. The aircraft failed to reach the runway threshold, impacting the ground several hundred meters short of the landing strip. The collision generated a massive explosion, and the airframe was destroyed by the force of the impact and subsequent post-crash fire. All 18 occupants were killed in the accident.

Findings

The source material does not provide specific technical findings or contributing factors beyond the environmental conditions present at the time of the crash.