What happened
On October 12, 2008, at approximately 21:30 UTC, a Beechcraft BE 10 King Air, registration N525ZS, crashed near Bauru, São Paulo. The aircraft was performing a ferry flight from Campo Grande to Sorocaba, with a stopover at Bauru Aerodrome (SBBU). The pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft.
Shortly after departing from runway 14, the aircraft began to lose altitude. The plane struck several trees and crashed into dense vegetation, where it subsequently caught fire. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and the pilot sustained fatal injuries due to polytrauma and carbonization.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's operational status, the pilot's credentials, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The aircraft was in the process of being imported to Brazil and was within its weight and balance limits. Fuel analysis conducted on the aviation kerosene used for the flight showed no presence of water or impurities, and the pilot had confirmed the tanks were full prior to departure.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's qualifications, noting that the pilot held valid commercial and instrument ratings, as well as a valid medical certificate. Meteorological conditions at the time of takeoff were favorable, with good visibility and calm winds.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating within weight and balance limits.
- The pilot was fully qualified and experienced for the flight type.
- The crash occurred approximately 5,200 meters from the runway end.
- The exact cause of the loss of altitude remains undetermined, though investigators considered two primary hypotheses: a mechanical failure of an engine or component, or a sudden medical event (loss of consciousness) involving the pilot, given his recent history of cardiac surgery. However, due to the extent of the fire and carbonization, neither hypothesis could be confirmed.