Mid-air collision between two Embraer EMB-711C aircraft near Santa Bárbara d’Oeste

Casualties unknown • SANTA BARBARA D'OESTE, SP, BR

Two Embraer EMB-711C aircraft collided in mid-air near Santa Bárbara d’Oeste, Brazil, resulting in four fatalities and the destruction of both aircraft.

What happened

On August 18, 2012, at approximately 12:40 UTC, two Embraer EMB-711C aircraft, registrations PT-NIR and PT-NKA, were involved in a mid-air collision near Santa Bárbara d’Oeste, São Paulo. Both aircraft had departed from Aeródromo de Amarais (SDAM) with the intention of flying to Aeródromo da Fazenda Bonanza (SDBN). Each aircraft was carrying one pilot and one passenger.

During the flight, the two aircraft were operating in close proximity. Witnesses on the ground observed the collision, which resulted in the total destruction of both aircraft. The impact caused structural failure in the wings of both planes. All four fatalities (two pilots and two passengers) occurred at the scene.

The investigation

CENIPA's investigation established that both aircraft were airworthy and the pilots held valid medical certificates and licenses. The weather conditions at the time were favorable for visual flight, though investigators noted the presence of turbulence and dry haze in the region.

Analysis of the wreckage revealed a camera lens among the debris of PT-NKA, supporting the hypothesis that the pilots may have been attempting aerial photography. The investigation also found that the aircraft were flying in a manner consistent with formation or wingman flight, which was not authorized and for which the pilots lacked specific training. Communication logs indicated heavy radio traffic in the area, which may have contributed to congestion.

Findings

  • The pilots lacked the necessary operational training and experience for formation flight.
  • The aircraft models were not designed for the close-proximity maneuvers being performed.
  • There was a significant loss of situational awareness due to the pilots' focus on the flight configuration and potential photography.
  • The pilots demonstrated an attitude of overconfidence in their manual flying skills, leading to improvised and non-standard operating procedures.
  • The proximity of the aircraft and the lack of specialized training contributed to the failure to maintain visual separation.

Probable cause

The mid-air collision was caused by a loss of situational awareness and the lack of specialized formation flight training, as the pilots attempted to fly in close proximity without the necessary skills or aircraft design suitability.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-08-18 aircraft accident near SANTA BARBARA D'OESTE, SP, BR?

Two Embraer EMB-711C aircraft collided in mid-air near Santa Bárbara d’Oeste, Brazil, resulting in four fatalities and the destruction of both aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-08-18 involved a aircraft, registration PTNIR, at SANTA BARBARA D'OESTE, SP, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The mid-air collision was caused by a loss of situational awareness and the lack of specialized formation flight training, as the pilots attempted to fly in close proximity without the necessary skills or aircraft design suitability.

Loading the flight search…