Four fatalities in Embraer EMB-710C crash caused by fuel exhaustion and severe regulatory non-compliance

Casualties unknown • NOVO PROGRESSO, PA, BR

An Embraer EMB-710C crashed in Novo Progresso, Brazil, after running out of fuel, resulting in four deaths and multiple injuries during an overcrowded, unauthorized flight.

What happened

On September 15, 2016, at approximately 20:40 UTC, an Embraer EMB-710C, registration PT-NCJ, crashed near Novo Progresso, Pará. The aircraft had departed from an unregistered airstrip at the São Raimundo-Tomás mining site in Itaituba for another unregistered landing site at Pedreira do Curuá.

During the final approach, the engine failed due to fuel exhaustion. The aircraft struck the ground approximately 600 meters from the intended runway. The impact caused the forward section of the fuselage to separate. Due to the lack of proper seating, passengers were thrown into the front wreckage during the deceleration. The crash resulted in four fatalities (the pilot and three passengers) and three serious injuries among the remaining passengers. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, landing gear, engine, and propeller.

The investigation

CENIPA's investigation revealed a profound disregard for aviation safety regulations. The aircraft was operating far beyond its certified limits, both in terms of occupancy and structural configuration. The investigation established that the flight was conducted without a flight plan or prior notification to authorities. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the pilot was operating with both a medical certificate and a single-engine land rating that had been expired for several years.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the engine failure was fuel exhaustion, as there was no fuel remaining in the tanks or fuel lines.
  • The aircraft was significantly overweight and out of weight and balance limits.
  • The aircraft was carrying seven occupants, exceeding the maximum certified capacity of four.
  • The cabin lacked passenger seats; occupants were sitting on a plywood board on the floor without any restraints or seatbelts.
  • The aircraft's Airworthiness Certificate had been suspended since August 2016, and the annual maintenance inspection had expired in July 2016.
  • The pilot's medical certificate had been expired since 2003, and his pilot license had been expired since 2004.

Probable cause

The engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion, occurring within a flight characterized by extreme regulatory non-compliance, including unauthorized occupancy, lack of passenger restraints, expired airworthiness, and invalid pilot certifications.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-09-15 aircraft accident near NOVO PROGRESSO, PA, BR?

An Embraer EMB-710C crashed in Novo Progresso, Brazil, after running out of fuel, resulting in four deaths and multiple injuries during an overcrowded, unauthorized flight.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-09-15 involved a aircraft, registration PTNCJ, at NOVO PROGRESSO, PA, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion, occurring within a flight characterized by extreme regulatory non-compliance, including unauthorized occupancy, lack of passenger restraints, expired airworthiness, and invalid pilot certifications.

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