Aircraft fire following runway excursion at Brasília Airport

No fatalities • Brasília, Brazil • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft operating from Rio de Janeiro caught fire after a hard landing and subsequent excursion off the runway at Brasília Airport, resulting in the total loss of the airframe.

What happened

A flight originating from Rio de Janeiro was performing its arrival at Brasília Airport when the incident occurred. During the final stages of the approach, the aircraft was improperly configured for landing. This led to a heavy impact with the runway surface upon touchdown.

The force of the landing caused significant damage to the undercarriage, causing the aircraft to lose directional control and veer toward the left side of the runway. As the plane moved onto soft ground, the landing gear was sheared from the airframe. The subsequent impact triggered a post-crash fire that consumed the aircraft. Although all 71 occupants were successfully evacuated from the wreckage, the aircraft was completely destroyed.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified several contributing elements related to the flight crew's performance and preparation. The primary cause was an incorrect approach configuration, which was compounded by inadequate preparation for the landing procedure and a lack of effective coordination among the crew members. Additionally, it was noted that the pilot-in-command was undergoing type conversion training and was under supervision at the time of the event.

Probable cause

The accident resulted from an improper approach configuration combined with inadequate procedural preparation and insufficient crew coordination during a training flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1961-09-27 Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle accident near Brasília, Brazil?

An aircraft operating from Rio de Janeiro caught fire after a hard landing and subsequent excursion off the runway at Brasília Airport, resulting in the total loss of the airframe.

Were there any fatalities in the 1961-09-27 Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1961-09-27 involved a Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle, registration PP-VJD, operated by VARIG - Viação Aérea Rio Grandense, at Brasília, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident resulted from an improper approach configuration combined with inadequate procedural preparation and insufficient crew coordination during a training flight.

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