42 fatalities

Collision Between Viscount and Trainer Aircraft Near Rio de Janeiro-Galeão Airport (PP-SRG)

Rio de Janeiro-Galeão, BrazilLanding (descent or approach)

On December 22, 1959, a Vickers Viscount (registration PP-SRG) operated by VASP - Viação Aérea de São Paulo was involved in an aviation accident near Rio de Janeiro-Galeão, Brazil during landing or approach. 42 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of both pilots to maintain adequate lookout for other aircraft. Apparently, the pilot of the trainer aircraft was not supposed to cross the approach path of the Viscount. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A Viscount airliner and a Brazilian Air Force Fokker T-21 (S.11) trainer collided in good weather near Rio de Janeiro-Galeão Airport. The trainer pilot ejected uninjured; the Viscount crashed, killing all 32 on board and 10 on the ground.

Incident

While approaching Rio de Janeiro-Galeão Airport under good weather conditions, a Viscount aircraft collided with a Brazilian Air Force Fokker T-21 (S.11) registered 0742. The collision occurred approximately 4 km south of the airfield. The trainer was completing a local training flight at the time.

Aircraft and Occupants

The Viscount was carrying 32 occupants. The trainer aircraft was occupied by its pilot only.

Casualties and Damage

The pilot of the trainer aircraft ejected successfully and was later recovered uninjured. His aircraft crashed on Joaquim de Queiroz street. The Viscount, having lost control, dove into the ground and crashed on Peçanha Póvoas street in the district of Ramos. Several houses were destroyed. All 32 occupants on board the Viscount were killed, along with 10 people on the ground.

Probable Cause

According to the official findings, the probable cause was failure of both pilots to maintain adequate lookout for other aircraft. Apparently, the pilot of the trainer aircraft was not supposed to cross the approach path of the Viscount.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Dec 1959 Vickers Viscount accident near Rio de Janeiro-Galeão, Brazil?

A Viscount airliner and a Brazilian Air Force Fokker T-21 (S.11) trainer collided in good weather near Rio de Janeiro-Galeão Airport. The trainer pilot ejected uninjured; the Viscount crashed, killing all 32 on board and 10 on the ground.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Dec 1959 Vickers Viscount accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 42 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Dec 1959 involved a Vickers Viscount, registration PP-SRG, operated by VASP - Viação Aérea de São Paulo, at Rio de Janeiro-Galeão, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of both pilots to maintain adequate lookout for other aircraft. Apparently, the pilot of the trainer aircraft was not supposed to cross the approach path of the Viscount.