Flight History
A brand-new aircraft was being flown by an ASA crew from São José dos Campos to Atlanta, Georgia, for delivery. After takeoff, the São José Tower controller cleared the flight to follow the 010° radial to the SJC VOR and cross the VOR at 5,000 feet. Later, the tower instructed the crew to climb to FL280 out of 5,000 feet and intercept the 352 radial of the SJC VOR. The flight crew did not follow these instructions and continued flying at 5,000 feet.
Accident
In limited visibility due to low clouds, the airplane struck the slope of a mountain in the Mantiqueira Mountain Range. The wreckage was found 700 feet below the summit. All five occupants were killed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation reported the following findings: The pilots did not properly plan the flight, despite the availability of an AIS room with necessary consultation sources. Maintaining an altitude of 5,000 feet for too long, subject to minimum safe altitudes in the area as per available publications, and discrepancies in the flight plan confirm this. The pilot did not properly follow the instructions issued by the tower and remained at an altitude incompatible with those instructions. There are strong indications that the flight proceeded under instrument flight conditions. Additionally, there was no proper coordination between the ACC BS and TWR SJ regarding the transfer and control of air traffic, nor did TWR SJ request receipt of the messages.