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17 fatalities

Night Approach Accident at Congonhas Airport (PP-PDA)

São Paulo-Congonhas, BrazilLanding (descent or approach)

On June 17, 1953, a Lockheed L-049 Constellation (registration PP-PDA) operated by Panair do Brasil was involved in an aviation accident near São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil during landing or approach. 17 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew continued the approach below the minimum safe altitude, in breach of the published procedures. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed in a wooded area 6.5 km short of runway 34 at Congonhas Airport during a night approach in poor weather. All 17 occupants were killed.

Incident Overview and Location Details The accident occurred during a night approach to Congonhas Airport under poor weather conditions. The aircraft was on final approach when it descended below the required altitude. The plane struck trees and subsequently crashed in a wooded area located 6.5 km short of runway 34, in the district of Americanópolis. The impact and the resulting post-crash fire completely destroyed the aircraft. All 17 occupants on board were killed in the incident. ## Official Investigation Findings The official investigation determined that the crew continued the approach below the minimum safe altitude. This action was in breach of the published procedures for the approach to the airport.

Probable cause

The crew continued the approach below the minimum safe altitude, in breach of the published procedures.
Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

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