What happened
On November 10, 2013, a Piper PA-3/4-220T, registration PR-EAG, crashed into the peak of Morro do Corisco near Paraty, Rio de Janeiro. The aircraft had departed from Paraty Airport (SDTK) for Campo de Marte (SBMT) in São Paulo, carrying a pilot and two passengers. During the initial climb, the aircraft struck the mountain at an altitude of approximately 3,700 feet. The impact was high-speed and occurred while the aircraft was in a relatively level flight path, causing the aircraft to be destroyed by the collision and a subsequent fire. All three fatalities occurred during the accident.
The investigation
Due to the steep terrain and a deep fissure at the impact site, investigators from CENIPA were unable to access the wreckage for physical examination. The investigation relied on technical documentation, photographic evidence from rescue teams, and meteorological analysis. The aircraft's maintenance records were found to be up to date, and the aircraft was within weight and balance limits at the time of departure. The pilot was highly experienced, with an estimated 15,000 total flight hours, and was a frequent operator on this specific route. Analysis of the wreckage photos suggested the aircraft was in controlled flight at a high velocity at the moment of impact.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
- Meteorological reports indicated the presence of clouds, including Cumulus and Stratocumulus, with a ceiling of 1,800 feet and tops at 6,000 feet.
- The aircraft struck the terrain in a mountainous region while flying in visibility and cloud clearance conditions below the minimums required for VFR flight.