Accident Details
A twin-engine aircraft departed Belém-Val de Cans Airport on a cargo flight to Monte Dourado. The crew consisted of two pilots. The aircraft carried 1,636 kilograms of limestone grit divided into 36 bags of 45.45 kilograms each. After a flight of 1 hour and 18 minutes, air traffic control cleared the crew to descend for a night approach to Monte Dourado Airport. While on final approach, the crew transmitted a brief message indicating the aircraft was crashing. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact, and both pilots were killed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation identified several contributing factors. The total weight of the aircraft upon departure from Belém Airport was 650 kilograms above the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW). The cargo was not stowed in the cabin but simply placed on the floor. At impact, the left engine was not providing power. The aircraft entered a left turn followed by an uncontrolled descent until ground impact. Examination revealed that the left engine failed due to an aluminum part obstructing the fuel pipe. Metallographic analysis confirmed that this aluminum part likely originated from a thread of the fuel pump. Additionally, the crew exhibited complacency by failing to follow the published procedures of the operator.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is a combination of four findings: the aircraft was overloaded by 650 kg above MTOW; the cargo was not properly stowed; the left engine failed due to an aluminum part obstructing the fuel pipe, originating from a fuel pump thread; and crew complacency led to failure to follow published procedures.