GOL 737 MAX Collides With Ground Vehicle on Takeoff In Rio de Janeiro

A Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes (GOL) Boeing 737 MAX 8 collided with a ground vehicle during its takeoff roll in Rio de Janeiro on 11 February 2025.

GOL flight G31674, by a Boeing 737 MAX 8 was departing from Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport (GIG). Was performing the scheduled flight bound for Fortaleza Pinto Martins International Airport (FOR).

Ground Collision Rio de Janeiro (GIG)

The aircraft was accelerating the takeoff on runway 10 Galeão International Airport when a loud bang was heard. Following this, the aircraft reportedly veered sharply towards the right-hand runway edge.

The flight crew regained directional control of the aircraft and the takeoff procedure was rejected. The aircraft subsequently was brought to a stop short of the runway end.

According to the Aviation Herald, an announcement from the flight deck advised that the aircraft had collided with a service vehicle on the runway.

Passengers were disembarked via airstairs to the runway. There were no injuries reported amongst the occupants of the flight or the vehicle as a result of the GOL collision. The airport subsequently confirmed the ground incident, stating that the collision occurred between a maintenance vehicle and the GOL aircraft.

Photo Credit: Luiz Guedes Neto via X

A replacement aircraft was mustered by the airline to complete the onwards scheduled service to Fortaleza Pinto Martins International Airport.

The Brazilian accident investigation Branch CENIPA will now conduct an investigation into the ground collision incident.

The aircraft involved in the GOL collision was a Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered PS-GPP. This is a 5.5 year old narrow body aircraft belonging to the carrier Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes.

It has been operational service with the airline since March 2024. The aircraft has been involved in a previous incident, suffering a tail strike on takeoff at Belem (BEL) which resulting in minor damage.