What happened
On September 27, 2003, an EMB-711ST, registration PT-RZK, was performing a return flight to the Divinópolis aerodrome (SBDV) in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The flight had originally departed from Divinópolis to transport a passenger to Ponte Nova, with the intention of returning immediately.
During the return leg, approximately 20 minutes before the scheduled landing, the pilot received radio information regarding the presence of a cumulonimbus cloud directly over the destination, which was restricting the ceiling and visibility. Despite the deteriorating weather, the pilot began a descent. As the aircraft approached the runway, the pilot focused heavily on the runway approach lights to maintain visual contact. While maneuvering in the eastern sector of the runway threshold, the aircraft struck trees, leading to a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accident. The impact was severe enough to tear the wings, vertical stabilizer, and horizontal stabilizer from the airframe.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the pilot, while qualified and experienced, was operating under visual flight rules (VFR) in conditions that had transitioned to instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The investigation noted that the pilot did not consider diverting to an alternative aerodrome, such as Pampulula, which offered better weather conditions.
Investigators also found that the flight was conducted without a filed flight plan or communication with Air Traffic Services (ATS). Furthermore, while the pilot was instrument-rated, the aircraft itself was not certified for IFR operations. The investigation highlighted a significant loss of situational awareness as the crew's attention became fixated on the runway lights, neglecting the aircraft's altitude and the proximity of known terrain obstacles.