What happened
On July 1, 2003, a Mitsubishi MU-2B-35, registration PT-LFX, was performing a bank mail transport flight from São Luís, MA, to Belém, PA. The aircraft was carrying two pilots and two passengers. At approximately 22:56 UTC, the crew reported to Belém Approach that they were stabilized on the ILS approach and would report when the runway was in sight. Following this communication, the aircraft failed to respond to subsequent contact attempts. Search efforts were initiated, and the wreckage was located the following morning approximately three nautical miles from the Belém aerodrome. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and four fatalities.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the meteorological conditions and the decision-making process of the crew. At the time of the accident, meteorological reports indicated heavy rain, thunderstorms, and significant turbulence in the approach sector. Another aircraft passing through the same area shortly after the accident reported experiencing severe turbulence and lightning. The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical state, finding that the engines were producing power at the moment of impact and no mechanical irregularities were identified. The investigation also looked into the operational pressures associated with bank mail transport, specifically the importance of meeting delivery schedules.
Findings
- The presence of windshear is the primary suspected factor, which likely caused a sudden loss of lift that the crew could not recover from.
- Adverse meteorological conditions, including heavy rain, cumulonimbus clouds, and intense turbulence, were present during the approach.
- The crew's decision-making may have been influenced by the pressure to meet strict delivery schedules for the bank mail, potentially leading them to proceed with the landing despite the deteriorating weather.
- The Belém aerodrome lacked low-level windshear detection equipment to alert approaching aircraft to the hazard.
- The aircraft had sufficient fuel reserves to hold or divert to an alternate airport, but the pilot chose to continue the approach.