Aircraft crash near Rio Branco-Presidente Médici Airport

23 fatalities • Rio Branco-Presidente Médici, Brazil • Landing (descent or approach)

A flight arriving from Tarauacá crashed during its approach to Rio Branco, resulting in 31 fatalities and 8 survivors.

What happened

During a night flight originating from Tarauacá, the crew initiated a descent toward Rio Branco-Presidente Médici Airport. The approach was conducted under challenging weather conditions characterized by rainfall and restricted visibility. While on final approach, the aircraft type descended beneath the minimum descent altitude. Traveling at a speed of 130 knots, the plane impacted the ground in a field situated approximately 4 km from the threshold of runway 06. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe.

Findings

  • The flight was operating in low visibility due to nighttime and precipitation.
  • The aircraft descended below the required MDA during the final approach phase.
  • The accident resulted in 23 fatalities and 8 survivors.

Probable cause

The aircraft descended below the minimum descent altitude during a night approach in poor visibility.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-08-30 Embraer EMB-120 Brasília accident near Rio Branco-Presidente Médici, Brazil?

A flight arriving from Tarauacá crashed during its approach to Rio Branco, resulting in 31 fatalities and 8 survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 2002-08-30 Embraer EMB-120 Brasília accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 23 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-08-30 involved a Embraer EMB-120 Brasília, registration PT-WRQ, operated by Rico Linhas Aéreas - Rondonia Importaçao e Comercio, at Rio Branco-Presidente Médici, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft descended below the minimum descent altitude during a night approach in poor visibility.

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