What happened
On March 12, 2009, an EMB-712 aircraft, registration PT-VFI, was stolen from the Aeroclube de Brasília at approximately 16:15 UTC. After taking off from the Luziânia Aerodrome, the aircraft proceeded toward Goiânia, performing several low-altitude maneuvers over the city without authorization or communication with Air Traffic Control. During the flight, Brazilian Air Force aircraft attempted to establish radio contact, but the operator failed to respond.
The flight ended when the aircraft entered the parking lot of the Shopping Flamboyant. The aircraft struck a vehicle with its left wing, which altered its trajectory and caused a chain reaction of collisions with 23 other vehicles. The impact destroyed the aircraft and resulted in two fatalities among the occupants.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the individual operating the aircraft possessed no pilot training, no technical licenses, and no valid medical certificate. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was airworthy at the time of the incident. Because the occurrence was the result of an illegal act (theft), the investigation concluded that the event provided no specific benefits for aeronautical accident prevention.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the unauthorized operation of a stolen aircraft by an individual without any aeronautical qualifications.
- The operator performed unauthorized maneuvers at extremely low altitudes and high bank angles over a populated urban area.
- The aircraft struck multiple stationary vehicles, causing significant damage to the ground infrastructure and the aircraft itself.