RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- A British Vulcan jet bomber, apparently flying to the Falklands, ran out of fuel Thursday and Brazilian jets intercepted it as it headed for an emergency landing in Rio, officials and news reports said.
'After diplomatic consultations, and given that the plane was completely unarmed the Brazilian government has decided that it can return to its base of origin,' said Air Force Minister Brig. Delio Jardim de Mattos in a statement.
Government sources in the federal capital of Brasilia said the Vulcan apparently did not ask permission to enter Brazilian air space for an emergency landing and that Brazil would probably send Britain a protest.
De Mattos did not say which way the British bomber was heading when it was detected by Brazilian radar, or to which 'base of origin' it was to return.
But unconfirmed news reports said the bomber had failed to make a mid-air refueling connection while on a mission to the Falkland Islands.
The Brazilian said the Vulcan was picked up on radar about 185 miles south of Rio and intercepted by two F-58 Mirage jet fighters. He said the bomber had 'technical problems.'
The plane landed at the military air base next to Galeao International Airport on Governors Island in Rio's bay.
The episode caused panic in Rio because of explosions heard throughout the city but an air force spokesman said they were caused by the two Brazilian fighters breaking the sound barrier to intercept the Vulcan.
At first, news reports speculated the noise was caused by the bomber dumping its bomb and missile load into the sea off Copacabana Beach.
Rio lies almost half way between the Falklands and the Ascension Islands air base used by Britain as a staging point for its South Atlantic task force.
Brazil has favored the Argentine position in the crisis. The country has sold Argentina maritime patrol planes and possibly other weapons, although military leaders have ruled out direct military involvement.
