What happened
On February 7, 2007, an EMB 810D, registration PT-RVI, was performing a passenger transport flight from Cuiabá to Guarantã do Norte. The flight was initially planned under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), but upon reaching FL070, the pilot requested a change to Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and an ascent to FL0-75 due to favorable weather conditions.
While cruising at FL075, approximately 50 nautical miles from the departure point, the aircraft experienced a catastrophic structural failure. The aircraft disintegrated in mid-air, with debris scattered across a nine-square-kilometer area near the Fazenda Luzerna, in the municipality of Chapada, Mato Grosso. The impact resulted in six fatalities, including the pilot and all five passengers. The aircraft was completely destroyed.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators analyzed the debris distribution, which followed a "delta" pattern, confirming that the disintegration began with the loss of the elevator. The investigation found that the elevator and horizontal stabilizer components were found 1,000 to 3,000 meters away from the main fuselage, indicating they detached first.
Technical examinations of fractured components revealed that the failures were characterized by overload ruptures. Specifically, the wings had broken upward due to the aircraft exceeding negative "g" structural limits. While investigators considered the possibility of an autopilot malfunction—based on an unverified report of a previous incident where the autopilot caused an inverted attitude—they could not confirm this as the equipment was not analyzed. The investigation also examined the possibility of pilot incapacitation or loss of control during an abnormal maneuver, as well as potential weight and balance issues, given the aircraft was fully fueled with six occupants and baggage.
Findings
- The aircraft underwent a structural failure due to exceeding structural load limits.
- The distribution of wreckage indicated the initial loss of the elevator and horizontal stabilizer.
- There was a possibility that the aircraft was operating outside of established weight and balance limits.
- The pilot may have applied incorrect control inputs or failed to manage an abnormal attitude, leading to the structural breakup.
- Meteorological conditions were considered satisfactory for VFR flight at the time of the accident.