Accident Details
On December 30, 2008, at approximately 1240 UTC (1040 local time), a Beech V35B aircraft with Brazilian registration PT-JKU struck mountainous terrain near Valenca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The aircraft was destroyed, and the pilot and two passengers were killed. The accident occurred about one hour after departure from Bartolomeu Lisandro Airport (SBCP) in Campos Dos Goit. The flight was destined for Jacarepagua Airport (SBJR) in Rio de Janeiro. A visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan had been filed. At the time of the accident, instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) were present in the area.
Aircraft and Operator
The aircraft, a Beech V35B (PT-JKU), was registered to and operated by Unibase Engenharia e Pavimentacao Ltda. The flight was categorized as non-U.S. non-commercial. The pilot held a private pilot certificate and was not instrument rated.
Flight and Pilot
The pilot was navigating visual corridor "F" inside the Rio de Janeiro Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA) when the airplane collided with mountains. The non-instrument rated private pilot was operating under visual flight rules in instrument meteorological conditions.
Investigation
The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Brazilian Aeronautical Accident Prevention and Investigation Center (CENIPA). The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was notified on March 23, 2009. Further information can be obtained from CENIPA.