Aircraft Crash in Aparados da Serra Forest (PP-AXJ)

Departure and Flight Progression The aircraft departed São Paulo-Congonhas Airport at 1145 local time, with Porto Alegre as its intended destination. During the flight, weather conditions worsened, prompting the crew to request and receive authorization to descend to 3,000 feet. The aircraft was subsequently flying in poor visibility caused by heavy rain. The pilot-in-command did not recognize that the aircraft's altitude was insufficient for the terrain, leading to a collision with trees. The impact sheared off the left wing, and the aircraft crashed into the forest of Aparados da Serra, located approximately 5 kilometers southeast of Bom Jesus. Four passengers were rescued from the wreckage, while 14 other occupants were killed. Among the fatalities were Argentinian musicians Miguel Cao and Ivo Schwanter.