No fatalities

Hard Landing and Post-Crash Fire Destroy Aircraft at Brasília Airport (PP-VJD)

Brasília, BrazilLanding (descent or approach)

On September 27, 1961, a Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle (registration PP-VJD) operated by VARIG - Viação Aérea Rio Grandense was involved in an aviation accident near Brasília, Brazil during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of the combination of the following factors: - Wrong approach configuration, - Poor preparation of the approach and landing procedure, - Lack of crew coordination, - The pilot-in-command was under conversion training on this… 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

Following a wrong approach configuration, an aircraft landing at Brasília Airport struck the runway hard, damaging the undercarriage. The aircraft veered off to the left, sheared off its undercarriage on soft ground, and was destroyed by a post-crash fire. All 71 occupants evacuated.

Accident Details

A flight from Rio de Janeiro arrived at Brasília Airport without incident. During the landing approach, the pilot-in-command executed a wrong approach configuration. The aircraft then made a hard contact with the runway surface, causing significant impact. The undercarriage sustained damage upon touchdown, and the airplane went out of control, veering off the runway to the left.

Evacuation and Fire

After departing the runway, the aircraft contacted soft ground, which sheared off the undercarriage. The airplane came to rest in flames. All 71 occupants on board were evacuated quickly. The aircraft was totally destroyed by the subsequent post-crash fire.

Investigation Findings

Investigation into the accident determined that it resulted from a combination of factors. These included the wrong approach configuration, poor preparation of the approach and landing procedure, and a lack of crew coordination. Additionally, the pilot-in-command was undergoing conversion training on this type of aircraft and was under supervision at the time of the accident.

Probable cause

The accident was the consequence of the combination of the following factors: - Wrong approach configuration, - Poor preparation of the approach and landing procedure, - Lack of crew coordination, - The pilot-in-command was under conversion training on this type of aircraft and under supervision at the time of the accident.