1968-10-31: North American B-25 Mitchell (5143) — Brazilian Air Force - Força Aérea Brasileira (1941-) — Recreio dos Bandeirantes, Brazil

17 fatalitiesRecreio dos Bandeirantes, BrazilFlight

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Recreio dos Bandeirantes, resulting in the deaths of everyone on board.

What happened

A liaison flight departed from Guaratinguetá Airport carrying 15 passengers and two pilots. During the approach toward Rio de Janeiro from a southwestern direction, the aircraft encountered adverse weather conditions. While navigating through these difficult conditions, the twin engine aircraft collided with the slope of Morro da Prainha mountain, situated in the vicinity of Recreio dos Bandeirantes.

The impact caused an immediate explosion upon hitting the terrain. There were no survivors of the crash, as all 17 fatalities were recorded among the crew and passengers.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountainside during an approach into Rio de Janeiro while operating in poor weather conditions.