On September 20, 1990, an Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante (registration PT-FAW) operated by Government of the State of Pernambuco was involved in an aviation accident near Fernando de Noronha, Brazil during takeoff. 12 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of the combination of the following factors: - The crew suffered a spatial disorientation during initial climb, - The operator was not equipped with effective systems for monitoring and training of personnel, - Deficiencies in… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
After a night takeoff from runway 12, the aircraft rolled right, entered an uncontrolled descent, and crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. The accident was attributed to spatial disorientation, operational deficiencies, and poor crew coordination.
Accident Overview
The accident occurred shortly after a night takeoff from runway 12. During initial climb, the aircraft rolled to the right, entered an uncontrolled descent, and crashed into the Atlantic Ocean a few hundred meters offshore. The aircraft was destroyed on impact, resulting in the deaths of all 12 occupants.
Flight Sequence
The copilot was preparing for the flight when the captain arrived late in the cockpit. The crew then expedited the departure. After takeoff, while climbing at night, the aircraft unexpectedly rolled to the right. It subsequently lost control and descended rapidly into the ocean.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the accident resulted from a combination of factors: the crew suffered spatial disorientation during initial climb; the operator lacked effective systems for monitoring and training personnel; there were deficiencies in instruction; poor crew coordination was present; the crew likely failed to follow the pre-takeoff checklist; the crew had insufficient experience on the aircraft type; and the mission involved inadequate assessment of certain operational aspects along with the use of non-standard piloting practices.