The Accident
Less than one minute after takeoff from Franca Airport, the twin-engine aircraft nosed down and crashed in a huge explosion about 1,500 meters past the runway end. The aircraft was destroyed and both pilots were killed. They were completing a cargo flight to Ribeirão Preto, carrying documents on behalf of Banco do Brasil.
Sequence of Events
The crew took off from an intersection with a taxiway. Immediately after takeoff, the aircraft entered clouds. Approximately one minute after liftoff, it impacted the ground. After the first impact, the aircraft flew for another 200 meters, collided with the ground again, and exploded. The aircraft was totally destroyed by a post-crash fire.
Weather Conditions
Poor weather conditions were present, including cumulonimbus clouds, sudden wind changes, strong turbulence, and rain. These conditions were conducive to the emergence of wind shear, representing a real risk to aircraft operation.
Pilot Factors
Witness statements indicated the pilot was in a hurry to take off to avoid approaching poor weather. The pilot also had a hearing problem that was being researched; however, its relation to spatial disorientation could not be determined. Individual characteristics, including the pilot's habit of taking off from taxiway intersections, contributed to delaying the point where the aircraft would achieve best flight performance.
Probable Cause
The official investigation identified spatial disorientation in the pilot in the face of adverse conditions—specifically, flight by instruments associated with wind shear—as a cause. Additionally, the pilot's habit of taking off from the taxiway and the poor weather conditions conducive to wind shear were contributing factors. However, the aspect of the pilot's hearing condition and its relation to spatial disorientation remains undetermined.