Narrative:
The Boeing 707 freighter was making an instrument approach to runway 14 with speed brake lever at 45deg. and inboard spoilers deactivated when it was noted that the spoiler switch cover was open. The captain or co-pilot then closed the spoiler switch cover and thus activating the inboard spoiler, causing the aircraft to pitch down. The Boeing descended fast from a height of 70 m, struck approach lights and crashed in the water of Guanabara Bay.
Probable cause: Incorrect use of speedbrake on final approach.
| Status: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
| Date: | Saturday 9 June 1973 |
| Time: | 18:30 |
| Type: |  Boeing 707-327C |
| Operator: | Varig |
| Registration: | PP-VLJ |
| MSN: | 19106/502 |
| First flight: | 1966 |
| Engines: | 4 Pratt & Whitney JT3D-3B |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 4 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 4 |
| Aircraft damage: | Damaged beyond repair |
| Location: | off Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport, RJ (GIG) ( Brazil)
|
| Phase: | Approach (APR) |
| Nature: | Cargo |
| Departure airport: | São Paulo/Campinas-Viracopos International Airport, SP (VCP/SBKP), Brazil |
| Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport, RJ (GIG/SBGL), Brazil |
The Boeing 707 freighter was making an instrument approach to runway 14 with speed brake lever at 45deg. and inboard spoilers deactivated when it was noted that the spoiler switch cover was open. The captain or co-pilot then closed the spoiler switch cover and thus activating the inboard spoiler, causing the aircraft to pitch down. The Boeing descended fast from a height of 70 m, struck approach lights and crashed in the water of Guanabara Bay.
Probable Cause:
Probable cause: Incorrect use of speedbrake on final approach.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Classification:
Loss of control
Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path.
Distance from São Paulo/Campinas-Viracopos International Airport, SP to Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport, RJ as the crow flies is 398 km (249 miles).
Distance from São Paulo/Campinas-Viracopos International Airport, SP to Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport, RJ as the crow flies is 398 km (249 miles).
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
languages: 
Share
Boeing 707
- 858 built
- 42nd loss
- 30th fatal accident
- 28th worst accident (at the time)
- 69th worst accident (currently)
The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by:
Quick Links:
| ASN Home | Send Correction / Feedback |
| FSF Home | Disclaimer | Copyright |
| Contact Us | Privacy Policy |
| Press / Media |
CONNECT WITH US:
©2023 Flight Safety Foundation