A plane crash in 1943 claimed the lives of prominent Brazilian journalist Cásper Líbero, architect Attilio Corrêa Lima, and São Paulo Archbishop Dom José Gaspar, after their aircraft encountered severe fog on approach to Rio de Janeiro.
On August 27, 1943, at 7:30 am, a German Junkers PP SPD aircraft operated by Vasp took off from Congonhas airport heading for Rio de Janeiro, with an expected landing time of 9:15 am. Among the 18 passengers and three crew members on board were notable figures including journalist Cásper Líbero, architect Attilio Corrêa Lima, and Archbishop of São Paulo, Dom José Gaspar, accompanied by two priests. The flight faced challenges, especially due to the limited technology of the time and the effects of World War II on aircraft maintenance.
As the plane approached Rio de Janeiro, it encountered dense fog conditions which forced pilot Romeu Fávero to abort the first landing attempt at Santos Dumont Airport. While trying to make a second attempt, the aircraft tragically struck a building belonging to the Escola Naval, breaking apart into three sections before sinking into Guanabara Bay. Of the 21 individuals on board, only three survived the horrific crash, highlighting the dangers of flying during that era when aviation technology and safety measures were still in their infancy.
This incident not only claimed the lives of influential Brazilian public figures but also underscored the perils of air travel at the time, exacerbated by the Second World War's impact on aviation logistics. The loss of Líbero, Gaspar, and others resonated deeply across Brazil, marking a significant tragedy in the country's history of aviation and a stark reminder of the need for advancements in aviation safety and technology.
