What happened
On July 26, 2007, an EMB-810C, registration PT-REX, operated by Tok Táxi Aéreo, crashed while performing a routine mail delivery flight from Recife to Maceió. At the time of the flight, the destination airport was closed for IFR operations due to heavy fog.
Despite the unfavorable weather, the pilot proceeded with an ILS approach. During the final approach segment, the aircraft struck high-voltage power lines approximately 4 km from the runway threshold, roughly 600 feet below the glide slope. The impact caused a short circuit that ignited the right wing fuel tank. The aircraft continued on its trajectory for another 300 meters before striking the ground at an 80-degree angle. The impact tore the right engine from the airframe and caused the aircraft to strike a palm tree, leading to its total disintegration and a post-crash fire. The pilot sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making and flight planning. Investigators found that the pilot had not visited the AIS office to review the latest meteorological reports, instead relying on a brief update from a company employee. The investigation also revealed that the pilot had a history of disregarding safety regulations, including flying with overweight loads and using unapproved parts. Furthermore, the investigation noted a lack of management oversight, as the pilot was also the individual responsible for supervising the company's operations.
Findings
- Improper decision-making: The pilot chose to depart without a proper analysis of the destination's weather and proceeded with an approach despite being informed that the airport was closed for IFR operations.
- Flight planning failures: The pilot failed to adequately prepare for the flight by not reviewing the full range of available meteorological data.
- Flight indiscipline: The pilot deliberately ignored safety requirements by proceeding with the approach at his own risk and likely descended below the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) in an attempt to establish visual contact with the runway.
- Adverse weather: Heavy fog at Maceió prevented the establishment of visual references.
- Lack of managerial supervision: The company lacked an independent structure to oversee flight operations, as the person responsible for supervision was the pilot involved in the accident.