8 fatalities

Aircraft Aborts Takeoff at Santos Dumont, Ends in Guanabara Bay (PP-SMJ)

Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont, BrazilTakeoff (climb)

On October 23, 1973, a NAMC YS-11 (registration PP-SMJ) operated by VASP - Viação Aérea de São Paulo was involved in an aviation accident near Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont, Brazil during takeoff. 8 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

During takeoff at Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport, the captain aborted after engine power loss. Brakes failed to decelerate properly; emergency brakes only effective on right main gear. The captain retracted landing gear, and the aircraft slid into Guanabara Bay, sinking 10 minutes later. Eight passengers killed, 57 others injured.

Incident Overview

During the takeoff roll at Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport, approximately 8 knots below V1 speed, the captain observed a loss of power on both engines while the turbine temperature was at its maximum. In response, the captain decided to abort the takeoff procedure and applied the brakes.

Brake Failure and Emergency Measures

The aircraft failed to decelerate properly. The crew then activated the emergency brakes, which were effective only on the right main gear. As the end of the runway approached, the captain retracted the undercarriage, causing the aircraft to sink onto its belly and slide before coming to rest in the Guanabara Bay.

Post-Impact Events

The aircraft sank approximately 10 minutes later and was lost. Eight passengers were killed, and 57 other occupants sustained injuries, some of them serious.