What happened
On August 13, 2014, a Cessna 560XLS+, registered as PR-AFA, was operating a transport flight from Santos Dumont Airport (SBRJ) to Santos Aerodrome (SBST). The aircraft was carrying two pilots and five passengers.
During the approach phase, the crew notified Santos Radio of their intention to follow the IFR ECHO 1 RWY 35 NDB approach profile. However, the crew subsequently informed air traffic services that they would perform a go-around and enter a holding pattern.
Witnesses on the ground, including observers at the Santos Air Base and the Port of Santos, reported seeing the aircraft flying at a low altitude over the runway. The aircraft then executed a left turn after passing the departure end of the runway. Due to prevailing weather conditions, visual contact was lost, and moments later, the aircraft crashed into the ground in the Boqueirão District of Santos.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by CENIPA with participation from the NTSB (USA) and TSB (Canada), focused on the sequence of events following the decision to execute a go-around. The investigation examined the flight path, the aircraft's performance during the turn, and the impact of meteorological conditions on visibility and flight control.
Findings
- The accident resulted in seven fatalities (two crew members and five passengers).
- The aircraft sustained complete destruction upon impact.
- The aircraft experienced a loss of control in flight during a low-altitude maneuver following a missed approach.
- Adverse weather conditions contributed to the loss of visual contact with the aircraft by ground observers during the critical phase of the flight.