What happened
On a scheduled medical transport mission, a twin engine airplane departed from Florianópolis-Hercilio Luz Airport at 16:51 local time. The flight was intended to transport medical personnel to Salvador, with a planned refueling stop in Belo Horizonte. The aircraft was carrying two pilots and three passengers, consisting of a mechanic, a nurse, and a doctor.
While the flight was at cruising altitude, the aircraft encountered conditions of heavy rain and very low visibility near dusk. During this period, the plane entered an uncontrolled descent. The aircraft subsequently crashed into a forested region in Santa Branca. The force of the impact caused the plane to disintegrate. There were five fatalities recorded, as all occupants, who were all staff members of the operating company, perished in the accident.
Findings
- The accident occurred during the cruise phase of flight.
- Reduced visibility due to heavy rainfall and low light conditions were present at the time of the descent.