A GOL Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 collided with a service vehicle during takeoff at Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport (GIG) on the night of February 11, 2025.
The aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 registered as PS-GPP, was flying on route GLO1674 from Rio de Janeiro to Fortaleza (FOR).
At approximately 22:00 local time, the aircraft began its takeoff from runway 10, Brazil’s second longest runway at 4,000 meters, when it struck a service vehicle. According to local media reports, the aircraft sustained damage to its engine cowling and left wing.
Passengers reported hearing a loud noise similar to a tire bursting, and the aircraft experienced significant shaking, as noted by local media. A video made by a passenger, subsequently shared on X, captures the sound of the impact.
Deus é grande.
Estou no RJ. Na hora da decolagem agora no Galeão, o avião que eu estava COLIDIU com uma viatura. Ainda bem que deu tempo de frear antes do final da pista.
Baita susto.
Sensação de que nasci de novo.
Dá pra ouvir o barulho no vídeo. pic.twitter.com/3befNU8AZy
— Átilla de Oliveira (@atilladoliveira) February 12, 2025
According to the Aviation Safety Network (ASN), the takeoff was aborted, and the aircraft came to a complete stop on the runway. The Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) team responded to the incident, and all 167 passengers and crew exited the aircraft using airstairs. No injuries were reported.
In a statement seen by local media outlet g1, RIOgaleão, the operator of GIG Airport officially confirmed that “there was an incident without victims between a maintenance car and an airplane on one of the airport’s runways”.
RIOgaleão added that the airport “continues to operate normally for landings and takeoffs.”
