What happened
A newly manufactured aircraft was being operated by an ASA crew for delivery to Atlanta, Georgia. Following departure, the pilot received clearance from the São José Tower to navigate via the 010° radial toward the SJC VOR, maintaining an altitude of 5,000 feet while crossing the waypoint.
During the flight, air traffic controllers instructed the crew to climb beyond 5,000 feet to reach FL280 and intercept the 352 radial of the SJC VOR. However, the flight crew did not execute the requested climb and remained at 5,000 feet. While operating in conditions of limited visibility caused by low cloud cover, the aircraft collided with a mountain slope within the Mantiqueira Mountain Range. The impact occurred approximately 700 feet below the peak. The accident resulted in five fatalities.
Findings
Investigations into the crash highlighted several critical failures regarding flight planning and execution. It was determined that the crew did not adequately prepare for the mission, despite having access to necessary consultation resources in an AIS room. The flight plan contained discrepancies, and the decision to maintain 5,000 feet for an extended period placed the plane at an altitude below the minimum safe levels required for the region.
Furthermore, the pilot failed to correctly process and implement the specific instructions provided by the tower, resulting in an altitude that was incompatible with air traffic control mandates. Evidence suggests the flight was being conducted under instrument flight rules. Additionally, investigators noted a lack of coordination between the São José Tower and the Area Control Center regarding the transfer of traffic and the formal acknowledgment of communications.