What happened
During a cargo operation originating from San Andrés Island, Colombia, an aircraft was performing its descent toward Ponta Pelada AFB in Manaus. While approaching the destination, the flight crew contacted air traffic control to report mechanical difficulties involving the engines. Due to these complications, the decision was made to execute an immediate landing.
Before reaching the runway, the crew performed a ditching maneuver in the Río Negro, several kilometers short of the airfield. Although both pilots were successfully rescued from the scene, the aircraft subsequently sank into the river and was destroyed.
Findings
Investigations into the incident concluded that the primary reason the crew had to abandon the runway approach was fuel exhaustion while on final approach to the Manaus area.