Boeing 767 shot on approach in Brazil

Details still emerging: this page will be updated. Report any information to report@safeairspace.net.

25 JAN – Information updated.

At Flight Service Bureau we rarely report on individual aircraft incidents, because the impact to other operators in International Flight Operations is very minimal. This case is different.

We received an OPSGROUP member report of an incident that occurred around January 15th, to a B767-300 operated by Latam Airlines, on approach.

Our initial report indicated that the 767 was fired upon on approach to Runway 15 at SBGL/GIG – the main Rio de Janeiro airport. A 7.62mm bullet lodged in the No. 3 slat, on the left wing. Pictures are below. Subsequent reports from other sources suggest that it may have occured in Sao Paolo.

The specific location in Brazil is therefore uncertain, but anecdotal evidence suggests that the aircraft overflew a favela on approach, and that Rio remains the most likely candidate for the location.

Rio Airport has however asked us to publish this statement:

RIOgaleão, concessionaire responsible for the operation of Tom Jobim International Airport, in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), informs that there has not been any record of an aircraft hit by a bullet within the airport site. The airline’s press office, in a statement, informed to the Brazilian press that it has activated the national and aviation security agencies. The public agencies investigate the case to identify where the incident occurred.

An entry for Brazil with the full report has been added to SafeAirspace.net, our shared repository on threats to aviation including Conflict Zones, Airspace Security, and Overflight risk.

B767 PT-MSY

Section of wing with lodged bullet

Update:

19JAN: Rio Airport has asked us to publish this statement:

References:

Full report under Brazil at safeairspace.net

Boeing 767 shot on approach in Brazil