Accident Overview
During a descent to Guanambi Airport, the flight crew encountered poor weather conditions and reduced visibility. At an altitude of 3,400 feet, the twin-engine aircraft collided with the slope of Mount Taquari, located near Caetité, about 35 kilometers northeast of Guanambi. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and all 12 occupants on board were killed.
Investigation and Findings
The official investigation into the accident identified the probable cause as a wrong approach configuration by the crew, who continued the descent below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) of 5,000 feet while operating in limited visibility. The investigation also reported several contributing factors. These included poor judgment on the part of the crew, a lack of coordination among the crew members, poor approach planning, and a failure to follow published approach procedures. Furthermore, low clouds shrouding Mount Taquari reduced visibility, and the crew did not establish any visual contact with the runway during the approach. Deficiencies in crew management, recruitment, selection, and training supervision were also cited as contributing factors.