What happened
On February 23, 2008, an EMB-711 ST, registration PT-VHK, departed from Pampulha Airport (SBBH) for a scheduled transport flight to Juiz de Fora (SBJF). The flight was planned under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft began a climb toward flight level 065.
As the aircraft progressed, it encountered stratified cloud layers covering the tops of the mountains. While navigating the terrain, the aircraft performed several heading changes before colliding with the slope of the Serra do Curral in the Parque das Mangabeiras area of Belo Horizonte. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. All four fatalities (two pilots and two passengers) were pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the flight parameters and environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators examined radar data, which showed the aircraft maintained a steady climb but utilized a rate of climb that was insufficient to clear the local obstacles. The investigation also reviewed the meteorological reports, noting that while conditions at the time of departure were favorable for VFR, cloud formations had developed over the mountain peaks.
Technical analysis of the aircraft revealed that the plane was well below its maximum takeoff weight. However, the investigation noted that the aircraft was not equipped with a Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS). The investigators also looked into the cockpit environment, noting that the occupants were personal friends traveling for business purposes, which may have influenced situational awareness.
Findings
- Adverse meteorological conditions created low-altitude cloud layers that obscured the mountain peaks from the pilots' view.
- Inadequate judgment regarding the climb parameters and weather conditions led the crew to continue VFR flight without visual contact with the terrain.
- Insufficient rate of climb prevented the aircraft from safely clearing the terrain obstacles.
- Inadequate flight planning, as the crew did not establish alternative procedures or a climb profile sufficient to ensure safety should visibility be lost during the ascent.
- A potential reduction in situational awareness due to the social environment in the cockpit.