What happened
On the evening of the incident, a twin-engine aircraft departed from Sorocaba-Estadual Bertram Luiz Leupolz Airport at 20:30 local time, bound for Palmas, Tocantins. The flight was operated with one pilot and four passengers on board. Shortly after the departure phase, the crew observed a fire warning light on the alarm panel, indicating an issue with the right engine.
In response to the warning, the pilot deactivated the right engine and declared an emergency. Air traffic control provided clearance to divert the flight to Campinas-Viracopos Airport. During the approach to the destination, the aircraft descended below the required altitude. The pilot subsequently performed an emergency landing in a prairie area situated approximately 7 km before the threshold of runway 15.
The wreckage was located less than one kilometer from the Jardim Bassoli condominium. All five occupants were evacuated from the scene with slight injuries. The twin-engine airplane sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Findings
- An engine fire warning light illuminated on the aircraft's alarm panel following takeoff.
- The aircraft's descent during the diversion approach was too low, leading to the forced landing.