Transbrasil Flight 801 was a domestic passenger flight in Brazil that experienced a catastrophic failure while approaching São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport. The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas MD-80, was carrying 58 passengers and crew members when it encountered difficulties. As it descended for landing, the flight lost altitude and crashed into a slum known as Vila Nova Cachoeirinha, located just outside the airport perimeter. The impact resulted in the deaths of 25 people, including passengers, crew, and several residents on the ground.

Investigations into the crash revealed various factors, including the possibility of pilot error and technical malfunctions. The accident sparked a large-scale inquiry into the safety standards of Brazilian airline operations, particularly concerning how passengers were managed in congested airspace above urban areas. The crash also raised questions about the adequacy of emergency response protocols in densely populated neighborhoods near airports, prompting discussions on aviation safety regulations.

Both the rescue operation and the aftermath were pivotal in shaping public perception of flight safety in Brazil. Local communities mobilized to provide support to the victims' families, while the incident drew national media attention and led to protests advocating for better safety measures in air travel. The event is remembered as a pivotal moment in Brazilian aviation, highlighting the need for improved oversight and enhanced safety measures for both passengers and residents in proximity to airports.