What happened
On May 19, 2010, an EMB-110P, registration PT-GKQ, operated by Táxi-Aéreo WEISS Ltda., crashed during an instrument approach at Cascavel Airport (SBCA) in Brazil. The aircraft was performing a routine transport flight of pharmaceutical materials from Sorocaba, SP.
During the descent, the crew attempted to land despite being informed by air traffic control and local radio that meteorological conditions at the destination were below the minimums required for IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) operations. The aircraft struck the ground approximately 70 and 700 meters from the threshold of runway 33. While the two crew members survived the impact without injuries, the aircraft sustained severe damage and was a total loss.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the decision-making process of the crew and the operational oversight of the operator. Investigators found that the crew intentionally violated operational regulations and air traffic rules by proceeding with the approach despite known visibility and ceiling limitations.
The investigation also scrutinized the training status of the crew. While the pilot in command was highly experienced, the co-pilot was still in the middle of a training program and had very limited experience in the EMB-110P model. Furthermore, the investigation identified significant gaps in the company's management, including a lack of supervision regarding flight planning and crew duty periods.
Findings
- Flight Planning and Decision Making: The crew failed to properly plan the flight, attempting a landing in weather conditions that did not meet IFR minimums.
- Crew Experience and Training: The co-pilot had only 15 hours and 40 minutes of experience in the aircraft type and had not completed the required company training modules. This lack of experience contributed to ineffective monitoring of the pilot in command.
- Operational Discipline: The crew intentionally violated operational norms and failed to report their position during various phases of the IFR procedure to the radio station.
- Management Oversight: The operator failed to ensure the completion of the co-pilot's training program and lacked adequate supervision of flight planning and crew duty time limits.
- Environmental Factors: Low visibility due to drizzle, fog, and mist, combined with a lack of runway lighting, contributed to the loss of situational awareness during the final approach.