Scheduled Flight Collision with Terrain Near São Jorge Island (CS-TGM)

Flight Operations and Weather Conditions The aircraft departed Ponta Delgada Airport at 0930LT on a scheduled flight to Horta, carrying 31 passengers and four crew members. En route, the flight encountered a frontal system with scattered cumulonimbus clouds, heavy showers, turbulence, and strong southwest winds. The crew altered the flight plan to include an approach descent over the channel between Pico and São Jorge islands, with the intention of intercepting the 250-degree VOR/VFL Horta radial. Horta tower initially cleared the flight to FL100. The crew then requested and received clearance to descend to 5,000 feet, with instructions to maintain visual contact with Pico Island. During the descent, the crew encountered heavy rain and turbulence. Seven minutes after beginning the descent, while in instrument meteorological conditions, the aircraft impacted the northern hillside of Pico da Esperança, which is 1,067 metres high, on São Jorge Island. A ground proximity warning system alarm sounded 17 seconds before impact. The aircraft disintegrated on impact, and all 35 occupants were killed.