Flight TTL5561 crash near Paranapanema

2 fatalities • Paranapanema, Brazil • Flight

A twin-engine postal flight crashed near Paranapanema during an uncontrolled descent following elevator trim malfunctions.

What happened

On the early morning of the accident, a twin-engine aircraft operating as flight TTL5561 departed from São Paulo-Guarulhos Airport at 04:40 local time. The flight was performing a postal service mission toward Londrina with a crew of two pilots. Approximately one hour after takeoff, while the aircraft was maintaining a cruising altitude of 18,000 feet, the crew began experiencing technical difficulties related to the elevator trim system. During this period, the autopilot disconnected.

In an attempt to address the mechanical issues, the captain instructed the copilot to pull a specific circuit breaker. Although there was a brief delay in the execution of this command, the copilot performed the action a few seconds later. Following this sequence, the aircraft's nose pitched downward, leading to an increase in airspeed that triggered the Vmo alarm, signaling that the plane had exceeded its maximum operating speed.

In an effort to recover, the crew decreased engine power to 10%. However, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and struck an open field located approximately 38 km south of Paranapanema at a speed of 366 knots. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the twin-engine airplane. There were two fatalities among the crew, and debris from the wreckage was discovered embedded three meters into the ground.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent following a malfunction in the elevator trim system and the subsequent disconnection of the autopilot.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-09-14 ATR42-300 accident near Paranapanema, Brazil?

A twin-engine postal flight crashed near Paranapanema during an uncontrolled descent following elevator trim malfunctions.

Were there any fatalities in the 2002-09-14 ATR42-300 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-09-14 involved a ATR42-300, registration PT-MTS, operated by Total Linhas Aéreas, at Paranapanema, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent following a malfunction in the elevator trim system and the subsequent disconnection of the autopilot.

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