Aircraft damage during riverbank landing near Caracaraí

No fatalities • Caracaraí, Brazil • Landing (descent or approach)

A single-engine floatplane sustained heavy damage after striking a tree during a landing maneuver near the Xeriuini River.

What happened

A charter flight departing from Manaus-Eduardo Gomes Airport was en route to a fishing camp located in the vicinity of the Xeriuini River, near Caracaraí. The flight was operated with two pilots and eight passengers on board. During the approach to the destination, the crew assessed the river conditions and noted that low water levels might have introduced submerged hazards or obstacles within the waterway.

To avoid these potential dangers, the crew elected to perform a landing on the riverbank instead of the water. During this landing phase, the left wing of the aircraft struck a tree. This impact caused the plane to rotate toward the left, eventually coming to a stop against several trees along the bank.

Findings

  • All 10 occupants successfully evacuated the aircraft without injury.
  • The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
  • The decision to land on the bank was driven by low water levels and the risk of river obstacles.

Probable cause

The crew chose to land on the riverbank to avoid potential obstacles caused by low water levels, resulting in a wing strike against a tree.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2019-02-09 Cessna 208A Caravan accident near Caracaraí, Brazil?

A single-engine floatplane sustained heavy damage after striking a tree during a landing maneuver near the Xeriuini River.

Were there any fatalities in the 2019-02-09 Cessna 208A Caravan accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2019-02-09 involved a Cessna 208A Caravan, registration PR-RTA, operated by Rico Taxi Aéreo - Rondonia Importaçao e Comercio, at Caracaraí, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew chose to land on the riverbank to avoid potential obstacles caused by low water levels, resulting in a wing strike against a tree.

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