What happened
On July 18, 2010, an Embraer EMB711C, registration PT-NBE, departed from Aeródromo Nacional de Aviação, GO, en route to Santo Antônio do Leverger, MT. The flight was carrying a pilot and one passenger. During the flight, the aircraft encountered weather conditions that were unfavorable for visual flight rules (VFR). Approximately two hours into the flight, the aircraft collided with Morro São Vicente, located roughly 37 NM from the destination. The impact occurred at a 60-degree angle with high energy, causing the aircraft to be destroyed. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the pilot was operating with several expired credentials, including both single-engine and multi-engine land ratings, which had been expired since January 201 and a medical certificate that had lapsed in April 2008. The investigation also found that the pilot departed without establishing contact with Anápolis Approach Control, violating established air traffic rules.
While the exact weather at the departure point was unknown, meteorological data from a nearby airport indicated that conditions were unsuitable for VFR flight. Investigators determined that the pilot likely attempted to maintain low altitude to stay in visual contact with the terrain, but as visibility and cloud clearance degraded, the pilot failed to recognize the proximity to the terrain, leading to the controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
Findings
- The pilot's flight ratings and medical certificate were expired.
- The aircraft was within weight and balance limits, and its airworthiness documentation was up to date.
- The pilot failed to contact air traffic services, which might have provided critical weather updates.
- Adverse meteorological conditions and poor flight planning contributed to the accident.
- Factors such as poor decision-making, flight indiscipline, and inadequate judgment regarding weather degradation were identified as contributing elements.