What happened
On February 14, 2000, an EMB-810D, registration PT-VLO, operated by Amapil Táxi Aéreo Ltda, was performing a mail transport flight from Campo Grande to Corumbá. The mission was delayed by two hours because the original aircraft, a Sêneca III (PT-RUH), suffered a magneto failure prior to departure. During the aircraft swap, the crew failed to transfer the destination approach charts to the new aircraft.
After departing Campo Grande, the crew initially flew under IFR rules but later canceled the IFR flight plan to operate under VFR. To maintain visual contact with the ground despite anticipated poor weather, the pilot descended from FL065 to FL045. Despite instructions from both Curitiba Center and Corumbá Approach to maintain visual conditions, the aircraft encountered cloud cover that prevented VFR flight. While communicating that they were five minutes from landing, the aircraft entered instrument conditions and struck terrain on a hilltop.
The impact caused severe injuries to the pilot in command and light injuries to the co-pilot. The aircraft sustained severe damage to the engines and propellers.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the crew was flying below the minimum safety altitude for the sector. The investigation noted that the pilot in command was aware that the necessary approach charts were not on board at the time of departure. Furthermore, the investigation found that the aircraft was being used for mail transport despite not being certified for that specific purpose. The analysis highlighted that the crew could have requested IFR procedures via radio, which would have allowed them to remain at a much safer altitude above the cloud ceiling.
Findings
- Adverse meteorological conditions made maintaining visual flight impossible at the operating altitude.
- Poor judgment and planning by the pilot, who decided to depart without approach charts and planned a VFR flight despite known low ceilings.
- Flight indiscipline, characterized by operating below the legal minimum safety altitude and failing to follow air traffic control instructions to maintain visual conditions.
- Overconfidence on the part of the pilot in command.
- Environmental factors, specifically the local terrain and low cloud cover, which led to the collision.