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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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data 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

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