What happened
During the final approach phase to Imperatriz Airport, two separate Bandeirante aircraft were involved in a mid-air collision. The first aircraft had completed a routine flight from Belém and was maneuvering for landing when it struck a second Bandeirante, registered PT-GJZ. This second aircraft was arriving at the airport following a flight originating from São Luíz.
Following the impact, the aircraft with registration PT-GJZ lost control and descended into the Rio Tocantins. The plane subsequently sank beneath the water, resulting in the deaths of all 18 people on board that specific flight.
The second involved aircraft, which had been flying from Belém, sustained significant damage during the collision. Despite the loss of its left engine, the crew managed to perform an emergency landing in a nearby prairie. While most individuals on this flight survived, 1 passenger was killed during the incident, and 16 others were able to exit the aircraft without injuries.
Findings
Official investigations concluded that the accident was the result of an in-flight collision occurring while both aircraft were on approach to the airport, though the specific underlying reasons for the collision remain undetermined.