What happened
During an approach to Rio de Janeiro-Galeão Airport under favorable weather conditions, a Vickers Viscount collided with a Brazilian Air Force Fokker T-21 (S.11) bearing registration 0742. The collision took place approximately 4 km south of the airport while the pilot of the trainer aircraft was conducting a local training mission.
Following the impact, the pilot of the Fokker T-21 successfully ejected from his aircraft and was subsequently found without injuries. However, the trainer plane crashed into Joaquim de Queiroz street. The Vickers Viscount lost control and descended into Peçanha Póvoas street in the Ramos district. The crash of the airliner caused significant damage to several residential buildings. The accident resulted in 32 fatalities among the passengers and crew on the Viscount, along with 10 deaths on the ground.
Findings
Investigations concluded that the primary factor in the collision was the failure of both pilots to maintain an adequate lookout for other aircraft. Additionally, it was noted that the pilot operating the trainer aircraft was not authorized to cross the approach path being used by the Viscount.