51 fatalities

Four-Engine Aircraft Crashes on Hillside Near Porto Alegre After Missed Approach (PP-PCG)

Porto Alegre, BrazilLanding (descent or approach)

On July 28, 1950, a Lockheed L-049 Constellation (registration PP-PCG) operated by Panair do Brasil was involved in an aviation accident near Porto Alegre, Brazil during landing or approach. 51 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft crashed into a hillside about 15 km from Porto Alegre airport during a second landing attempt in low visibility, killing all 51 occupants. The crew had reported low fuel after abandoning the first approach due to poor weather.

Accident Overview

On the day of the accident, the four-engine aircraft was making an approach to Porto Alegre when the crew abandoned the first attempt due to poor weather conditions. The crew then flew a circuit over the city and informed air traffic control that their fuel reserve was low.

Final Approach and Crash

During a second attempt to land, the crew operated in visual flight rules (VFR) mode despite low visibility. The aircraft descended too low, struck power cables, and subsequently crashed in flames on the slope of a 200-meter-tall hill. The impact site was located approximately 15 kilometers from the runway threshold.

Occupants and Injuries

The aircraft was carrying 51 occupants, all of whom were killed in the accident.

Pilot Actions

At the time of the accident, the pilot in command was attempting to maintain visual contact with the ground.

Investigation

The investigation revealed no explicit probable cause in the provided source. The accident remains under review.