Overview
• Operator: GOL Transportes Aéreos
• Aircraft Model: Boeing 737-8 MAX
• Registration: PS-GPP
• Flight Number: G3-1674
• Route: Rio de Janeiro Galeão (SBGL) → Fortaleza (SBFZ), Brazil
• Date: 11 February 2025
• Occupants: Passengers and crew (unspecified)
• Injuries: None
• Aircraft Damage: Substantial
• Incident Type: Rejected takeoff due to collision with a service vehicle
Incident Summary
GOL Transportes Aéreos flight G3-1674, operated by a Boeing 737-8 MAX (PS-GPP), was departing from Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (SBGL) to Fortaleza (SBFZ) when it collided with a maintenance vehicle on the active runway during the takeoff roll.
The impact caused a loud bang, and the aircraft veered sharply to the right before the pilots regained control and stopped the aircraft before the end of the runway. The takeoff was aborted, and the passengers were evacuated using mobile stairs onto the runway.
There were no reported injuries, but both the aircraft and the service vehicle sustained significant damage.
Sequence of Events
Takeoff Phase
• At 22:09 local time (01:09Z, 12 February 2025), the aircraft was accelerating for takeoff on Galeão’s Runway 10.
• As the aircraft approached rotation speed, a sudden impact occurred, causing the aircraft to veer sharply to the right.
• The crew rejected the takeoff, managed to steer the aircraft back toward the centerline, and came to a full stop before the end of the runway.
Post-Incident Actions
• The captain informed passengers that the aircraft had collided with an airport vehicle.
• Emergency services responded, and passengers were disembarked safely via mobile stairs onto the runway.
• The airport authority confirmed that the accident involved a maintenance vehicle and an aircraft on an active runway, stating that airport operations were not impacted.
• A replacement flight was arranged for the passengers to continue to Fortaleza.
Eyewitness Accounts
• A passenger who is a public prosecutor reported that the aircraft was already close to takeoff speed when a jolt and loud noise occurred, followed by the crew applying full brakes.
• Airport personnel confirmed that a maintenance car was involved in the accident, and investigations are ongoing.
Investigation & Preliminary Findings
Airport & Airline Statements
• GOL confirmed that a collision occurred with an airport vehicle on the active runway.
• Brazil’s CENIPA (Aviation Accident Investigation and Prevention Center) has launched a formal investigation.
• The airport authority has yet to confirm why the maintenance vehicle was present on the active runway during takeoff clearance.
NOTAM Issued
• Following the accident, Runway 10/28 was closed at 03:39Z on 12 February 2025, with the closure expected to last until 12:00Z.
Weather Conditions (METAR)
• The weather at the time of the accident was clear skies (CAVOK), light winds from 100° at 3 knots, and a temperature of 28°C.
• Visibility and conditions did not contribute to the incident.
Potential Causes & Safety Concerns
1. Runway Incursion & ATC Coordination Failure
• A service vehicle should not have been on the runway during an active takeoff clearance.
• Possible ATC miscommunication or unauthorized vehicle movement on the active runway.
2. Pilot Reaction & Aircraft Handling
• The crew successfully rejected takeoff and managed to keep the aircraft under control, avoiding a more serious accident.
3. Airport Ground Operations Lapse
• The presence of a maintenance vehicle on an active runway raises concerns about operational safety protocols at Galeão Airport.
• Investigators will assess how the vehicle entered the active runway and whether the driver was in communication with ATC.
Safety Recommendations & Preventative Measures
• Strengthened ATC-ground communication protocols to prevent unauthorized vehicle entry onto active runways.
• Improved ground vehicle tracking systems, including mandatory ADS-B transponders for vehicles operating near runways.
• Enhanced Runway Incursion Prevention Training for airport personnel, ensuring strict adherence to runway safety procedures.
• Automated Runway Incursion Warning Systems (RIWS) to alert controllers and pilots of unauthorized vehicle movement.
Aircraft & Airport Status
• The GOL Boeing 737-8 MAX (PS-GPP) remains on the ground for damage assessment and repairs.
• The airport reopened after the affected runway was cleared.
Disclaimer
This report is based on available information as of 12 February 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
