Stall and Crash During Emergency Landing in Marginal Weather (PT-TAF)

Accident

The flight from Belém was uneventful until the crew began the descent to Senador José Porfirio-Wilma Rebelo Airport in marginal weather conditions. On approach, the crew observed an elevation of the left engine turbine temperature. The captain reduced power on both engines and decided to make an emergency landing. Shortly after, the aircraft stalled and crashed in an open field located 4 km short of the runway.

The captain and a passenger were killed. All eight other occupants were killed, three seriously. The aircraft was destroyed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation identified the following findings as probable causes:

• Weather conditions made it difficult for the crew to locate the runway.
• The crew failed to follow emergency procedures and was unable to keep the aircraft level.
• The captain did not feather the left propeller, resulting in increased drag and reduced aircraft speed.
• Engine maintenance did not meet the manufacturer's requirements.
• No technical overhaul of the left engine had been carried out despite exceeding the 12-year calendar limit set by the manufacturer.
• A nipple mounted on the left propeller governor was not intended for aeronautical use.
• The poor seal caused by the improper connection allowed pressure to drop, resulting in a loss of power on the left engine.
• Poor organizational culture by the operator compromised the safety of the operation.
• The company did not have an effective supervision program.
• Poor judgment on the part of the captain.
• Poor aircraft maintenance.