Aircraft crash near Guaratinguetá during diversion

4 fatalities • Delfim Moreira, Brazil • Flight

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Guaratinguetá after the crew attempted a diversion due to adverse weather conditions.

What happened

A twin-engine aircraft departed from Resende Airport carrying a total of sixteen people, including four crew members and twelve paratroopers. Shortly after the flight commenced, the twelve passengers exited the aircraft via parachute. The remaining crew continued the flight toward Guaratinguetá Airport.

During the descent toward the destination, air traffic control notified the crew of unfavorable weather at Guaratinguetá and advised them to divert to São José dos Campos Airport. In response to this instruction, the crew began a go-around maneuver. However, during this process, the aircraft was turned in the incorrect direction. This maneuver resulted in the aircraft impacting the slope of Mt Alto Cerco, which sits at an elevation of 1,500 meters, approximately 30 km north of the original destination. The impact caused the total destruction of the aircraft, and all four occupants on board were killed.

Findings

Investigation into the accident indicates that the crew failed to follow the published go-around procedure during the diversion attempt, leading to the fatal collision with the terrain.

Probable cause

The crew's failure to adhere to established go-around procedures during a diversion led to an incorrect turn into mountainous terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-07-23 Embraer C-95 Bandeirante accident near Delfim Moreira, Brazil?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Guaratinguetá after the crew attempted a diversion due to adverse weather conditions.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-07-23 Embraer C-95 Bandeirante accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-07-23 involved a Embraer C-95 Bandeirante, registration 2310, operated by Brazilian Air Force - Força Aérea Brasileira (1941-), at Delfim Moreira, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew's failure to adhere to established go-around procedures during a diversion led to an incorrect turn into mountainous terrain.

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