What happened
On 19 October 2013, an EMB-711C aircraft, registration PT-NKO, was performing a descent toward its destination near Minador Farm in Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul. The flight, which originated from Teruel Aerodrome, was carrying the pilot and four passengers, including a toddler. During the approach, the aircraft collided with a tree and crashed into the ground, followed by a post-impact fire that completely destroyed the aircraft. All five occupants perished in the accident.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the flight conditions and the pilot's decision-making. While regional weather reports indicated clear conditions (CAVOK) in nearby Campo Grande, satellite imagery and local witnesses confirmed the presence of heavy fog and nebulosity over the intended landing site at the time of the accident. The investigation examined the aircraft's configuration, noting that the landing gear was retracted and flaps were set to 10 degrees at the time of impact. Investigators also reviewed GPS data, which showed the aircraft's track was consistent with the planned route, but the pilot was operating in conditions that were not favorable for VFR flight.
Findings
- Adverse meteorological conditions: The presence of fog at the destination made it impossible to maintain the required VFR visibility.
- Inadequate risk assessment: The pilot proceeded with the flight into a layer of fog despite not being IFR-rated and the aircraft being certified for day-time VFR flights only.
- Spatial disorientation: The lack of visual references and the presence of fog may have caused the pilot to lose situational awareness and orientation.
- Pilot experience: The pilot's relatively limited experience, estimated at approximately 130 hours, may have contributed to an inadequate evaluation of the operational risks.
- In-flight collision with obstacle: The descent into low visibility and the search for the landing strip likely led to the collision with a tree.