What happened
On January 3, 2016, a Hawker Beechcraft C90GTI, registration PP-LMM, crashed into elevated terrain near the Morro do Corumbê area, close to the Paraty Aerodrome (SDTK) in Rio de Janeiro. The aircraft had departed from Campo de Marte Airport (SBMT) in São Paulo for a repositioning flight with two pilots on board.
During the approach to runway 28, the crew encountered adverse meteorological conditions. The aircraft performed a second missed approach (go-around) following an initial attempt. During this maneuver, the aircraft collided with terrain at an altitude of approximately 1,800 feet. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and both pilots sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). Investigators analyzed the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and reviewed meteorological data, including satellite imagery and radar from the Pico do Couto station. The radar indicated significant precipitation over the Paraty region and the accident site at the time of the occurrence.
Technical examinations of the engines and propellers could not be performed in a laboratory setting due to the steep, unstable terrain and the risk of injury to investigators. Consequently, the engines and propellers were not examined by CENIPA or Pratt & Whitney. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was equipped with an Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS).
Findings
- The flight was conducted under adverse weather conditions, characterized by heavy cloud cover (including Towering Cumulus and Stratus) and active precipitation.
- The aircraft was performing a missed approach procedure under challenging visibility and weather conditions.
- The weather conditions in the Paraty region were unfavorable for visual flight rules (VFR) operations at the time of the accident.
- The co-pilot did not hold a type rating for the C90GTI.