1959-09-23: Saab Scandia (PP-SQV) — VASP - Viação Aérea de São Paulo — São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil

20 fatalitiesSão Paulo-Congonhas, BrazilTakeoff (climb)

An airplane crashed into a wooded area after striking power lines during its initial climb, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During a nighttime departure, the aircraft experienced significant challenges maintaining altitude shortly after leaving the runway. During this period of difficulty gaining height, the plane made contact with overhead power cables. The impact led to an aerodynamic stall, causing the aircraft to descend into a forested region situated approximately 4.5 km from the airfield.

Upon impact, the aircraft was subjected to intense structural forces and subsequently caught fire. The resulting wreckage was completely destroyed by the collision and the ensuing flames. There were 20 fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft, with no survivors reported from the crash site.

Findings

Official investigations into the accident concluded that the specific cause of the event could not be determined.

Probable cause

The cause of the accident remains undetermined by investigators.