In-flight disintegration of aircraft during descent from Porto Alegre to Rio de Janeiro

2 fatalities • Cocal do Sul, Brazil • Flight

An aircraft traveling from Porto Alegre to Rio de Janeiro experienced an uncontrolled descent and broke apart in mid-air, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.

What happened

During a scheduled flight operating between Porto Alegre and Rio de Janeiro, the aircraft began an uncommanded descent while maintaining a cruising altitude of 33,000 feet. During this period of instability, the aircraft's rate of descent increased significantly, reaching 20,000 feet per minute. No emergency communications or distress signals were transmitted by the crew prior to the loss of control.

As the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 1,500 feet, the structural integrity of the plane failed, causing it to disintegrate in flight. The wreckage subsequently impacted the ground. The accident resulted in two fatalities, involving both pilots on board.

Findings

No specific technical cause for the initial loss of altitude or the subsequent structural failure has been confirmed in the available reports.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-08-15 Cessna 550 Citation II accident near Cocal do Sul, Brazil?

An aircraft traveling from Porto Alegre to Rio de Janeiro experienced an uncontrolled descent and broke apart in mid-air, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-08-15 Cessna 550 Citation II accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-08-15 involved a Cessna 550 Citation II, registration PT-LML, operated by Riana Táxi Aéreo, at Cocal do Sul, Brazil.

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