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20 fatalities

Nighttime Takeoff Accident: Aircraft Struck Power Cables and Crashed in Wooded Area (PP-SQV)

São Paulo-Congonhas, BrazilTakeoff (climb)

On September 23, 1959, a Saab Scandia (registration PP-SQV) operated by VASP - Viação Aérea de São Paulo was involved in an aviation accident near São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil during takeoff. 20 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the accident could not be determined. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after a nighttime takeoff, an aircraft failed to gain altitude, struck power cables, and crashed in a wooded area 4.5 km from the airport. All 20 occupants were killed, and the cause could not be determined.

Accident Overview and Immediate Sequence of Events An aircraft encountered difficulties gaining altitude shortly after takeoff during nighttime operations. The aircraft subsequently struck power cables, entered a stall, and crashed in a wooded area located 4.5 kilometers from the airport. ## Damage and Casualties The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire. All 20 occupants on board were killed in the accident. ## Investigation Findings The official investigation concluded that the cause of the accident could not be determined. No specific aircraft type, registration, operator, or location beyond the distance from the airport was provided in the source material.

Probable cause

The cause of the accident could not be determined.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Sept 1959 Saab Scandia accident near São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil?

Shortly after a nighttime takeoff, an aircraft failed to gain altitude, struck power cables, and crashed in a wooded area 4.5 km from the airport. All 20 occupants were killed, and the cause could not be determined.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Sept 1959 Saab Scandia accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 20 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Sept 1959 involved a Saab Scandia, registration PP-SQV, operated by VASP - Viação Aérea de São Paulo, at São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the accident could not be determined.

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