What happened
During a scheduled international service traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Vitória, the aircraft was operating under instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) at approximately 2,700 m while over Guararapi. Following instructions from air traffic control, the flight descended to 2,100 m with orders to maintain this altitude until reaching the Vitória NDB. By 22:28 GMT, the crew reported they were three minutes from their destination and had transitioned into visual meteorological conditions (VMC).
As the aircraft proceeded with its descent toward runway 23, the tower controller observed the pilot adjusting the landing lights during the downwind leg of the approach. After the flight reported being on final approach, landing instructions were reiterated. During the final stages of the descent, an attempt was made to apply power to climb; however, the aircraft type struck a eucalyptus tree at an altitude of 40 m, located 1,860 m from the runway threshold. At this point in the established approach, the aircraft should have maintained a minimum height of 190 m.
The impact triggered a fire that completely destroyed the plane. The accident resulted in 23 fatalities and two serious injuries among the occupants.
Findings
Investigations concluded that the pilot failed to follow the specific approach procedures established by the airline operator. This deviation led to a misjudgment of the aircraft's distance from the runway threshold.