Flight History
The aircraft was operating the Rio de Janeiro–Vitória segment of a scheduled international flight. At 2220 GMT, the crew reported being over Guararapi at 2,700 m in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Air traffic control authorized a descent to 2,100 m and instructed the crew to maintain that altitude until reaching the Vitória NDB. At 2228, the crew reported being three minutes out at 2,100 m in visual meteorological conditions (VMC).
Accident Sequence
The flight continued its descent and received landing instructions for runway 23. The tower controller observed the aircraft descending and, at the end of the downwind leg, noticed the landing lights being adjusted. When the crew reported on final, the controller repeated the landing instructions. Shortly thereafter, power was applied in an attempt to climb, but the aircraft struck a eucalyptus tree at a height of 40 m, 1,860 m from the threshold of runway 23. At that stage of the approach, the aircraft should have been at a minimum altitude of 190 m (150 m above ground).
Fire and Casualties
Following the impact, a fire broke out and destroyed the airplane. Two passengers suffered serious injuries; all 23 other occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be: "The pilot did not carry out the approach in accordance with the procedures prescribed by the airline and misjudged his distance from the runway."