Incident Overview
A ferry flight departing Foz do Iguaçu Airport at 2215 local time en route to Curitiba experienced a dual engine failure approximately 55 minutes into the flight. While cruising at altitude in night conditions, the right engine failed, followed seconds later by the left engine. The crew reduced altitude and attempted an emergency landing, but the aircraft impacted terrain in a grassy area near Irati.
Occupant Status and Damage
The copilot escaped uninjured, while the captain sustained injuries. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be failure of both engines in flight due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing factors identified include: the crew did not prepare the flight per published procedures, did not verify sufficient fuel prior to departure, and did not follow the pre-takeoff checklist; the captain exhibited excessive self-confidence and exerted pressure on the copilot; the crew experienced fatigue from an excessive work period and were overduty by three hours at the time of the accident; additionally, the crew consumed alcoholic beverages the night before the flight.