Aircraft crash near Rasa Island during approach to Paraty

5 fatalities • Paraty, Brazil • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the sea near Rasa Island during a second approach to Paraty Airport under heavy rain conditions, resulting in five fatalities.

What happened

A twin-engine aircraft departed from Campo de Marte Airport at 13:01 local time, en route to Paraty. The flight was expected to last approximately thirty minutes for the 200 km journey. During the arrival phase, the aircraft encountered adverse weather characterized by heavy rainfall, which limited visibility to 1,500 meters.

While attempting to land at Paraty Airport, the pilot was unable to maintain visual contact with the airfield and performed a go-around. During a subsequent second approach, the pilot lost visual references with the surrounding environment. This led to a loss of control, causing the aircraft to impact the sea near Rasa Island, roughly 4 km from runway 28. Although rescuers located a passenger alive immediately following the impact, the submerged cabin became inaccessible. The aircraft settled at a depth of several meters, and all five occupants were killed in the accident.

Findings

  • The accident occurred during the approach phase under poor weather conditions involving heavy rain.
  • Reduced visibility significantly impacted the pilot's ability to maintain visual references with the terrain and the airport.

Probable cause

The pilot lost control of the aircraft during a second approach due to a loss of visual references caused by heavy rain and low visibility.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2017-01-19 Beechcraft 90 King Air accident near Paraty, Brazil?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the sea near Rasa Island during a second approach to Paraty Airport under heavy rain conditions, resulting in five fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 2017-01-19 Beechcraft 90 King Air accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2017-01-19 involved a Beechcraft 90 King Air, registration PR-SOM, operated by Hotel Emiliano, at Paraty, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot lost control of the aircraft during a second approach due to a loss of visual references caused by heavy rain and low visibility.

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