Varig Flight 797 was a scheduled passenger flight operated by the Brazilian airline Varig. The flight was making its way to Ivory Coast's capital, Abidjan, when it encountered significant problems shortly before landing. The incident occurred in the vicinity of Akouré, a town not far from the airport. Eyewitness accounts reported flames and difficulties reported from the cockpit as the aircraft attempted to navigate through challenging conditions. As the Boeing 747 descended, it tragically crashed, leading to the loss of all 50 individuals on board, consisting of both crew and passengers. This incident marked a significant tragedy for the airline, the passengers’ families, and the aviation community at large.

Following the disaster, investigations revealed that the flight had suffered technical issues, particularly with its engine performance leading to a critical failure during the final approach. In the wake of the crash, Varig and international aviation authorities undertook comprehensive investigations to assess the aircraft’s maintenance records, flight crew performance, and aircraft condition prior to the flight. Several recommendations concerning aircraft maintenance and safety procedures were subsequently implemented as the incident highlighted the necessity for stringent safety checks in aviation.

This tragic event not only raised awareness regarding the reliability of aircraft technology but also reinforced the airlines' commitment to enhancing passenger safety protocols. Varig, in particular, faced scrutiny over their flight operations, which prompted changes aimed at restoring confidence in their services amid a challenging period in the airline industry.