4 fatalities

1997-07-23: Embraer C-95 Bandeirante (2310) — Brazilian Air Force - Força Aérea Brasileira (1941-) — Delfim Moreira, Brazil

Delfim Moreira, BrazilFlight

On July 23, 1997, an Embraer C-95 Bandeirante (registration 2310) operated by Brazilian Air Force - Força Aérea Brasileira (1941-) was involved in an aviation accident near Delfim Moreira, Brazil in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain after the crew failed to follow the published procedures and initiated a turn to the wrong direction for unknown reasons. The lack of visibility due to mist was considered as a contributing factor. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781205944Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft carrying paratroopers and crew crashed into Mount Alto Cerco after a missed approach, killing all four crew members. The crew failed to follow published procedures and turned in the wrong direction during a go-around.

Accident Overview

On an unspecified date, a twin-engine aircraft departed Resende Airport with 12 paratroopers and four crew members on board. Shortly after takeoff, all 12 paratroopers parachuted from the aircraft. The crew then continued toward Guaratinguetá Airport.

Flight Details

While descending to Guaratinguetá Airport, air traffic control (ATC) informed the crew about poor weather conditions at the destination and instructed them to divert to São José dos Campos Airport. The crew initiated a go-around procedure but did not follow the published go-around procedure. Instead, they initiated a turn in the wrong direction.

Accident Sequence

During the incorrectly executed go-around, the aircraft struck the slope of Mount Alto Cerco, a mountain 1,500 meters high located approximately 30 km north of Guaratinguetá Airport. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and all four occupants were killed.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause was controlled flight into terrain after the crew failed to follow the published procedures and initiated a turn to the wrong direction for unknown reasons. The lack of visibility due to mist was considered a contributing factor.