1 fatality

2001-11-23: Embraer EMB-820 Navajo/Carajá (PT-RAZ) — Base Aerofotogrametria e Projetos — Brasília, Brazil

Brasília, BrazilLanding (descent or approach)

On November 23, 2001, an Embraer EMB-820 Navajo/Carajá (registration PT-RAZ) operated by Base Aerofotogrametria e Projetos was involved in an aviation accident near Brasília, Brazil during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: No technical anomalies were found on both engines. The fuel selector was positioned on the auxiliary tanks who had sufficient fuel at the time of the accident. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781202279Data APIEditorial standards

During final approach to Brasília Airport, an aircraft suffered an engine failure, deviated from the approach path, and struck a promontory near the runway threshold. Both occupants were seriously injured; the passenger later died.

Background

The flight originated from Bom Jesus da Lapa and was destined for Brasília Airport. The approach to runway 29 was initiated without incident. The aircraft was configured with landing gear and flaps extended for landing.

Accident Narrative

During the final approach, the aircraft suffered an engine failure. In response, the pilot attempted an in-flight engine restart. The aircraft then deviated from the intended approach path, veering to the right and losing altitude. It subsequently struck a promontory located 61 meters from the runway threshold. Both occupants suffered serious injuries. Twenty-three days after the accident, the passenger died as a result of the injuries sustained.

Investigation Findings

Post-accident examination of both engines revealed no technical anomalies or malfunctions. The fuel selector was positioned to draw from the auxiliary fuel tanks, which were found to contain sufficient fuel for the phase of flight. The investigation reported that the pilot chose to continue the approach on one engine rather than executing a go-around or forced landing. This decision was described as being influenced by a "luck factor" derived from similar situations encountered in the past, where the pilot had benefitted from such an approach.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause states: No technical anomalies were found on both engines. The fuel selector was positioned on the auxiliary tanks who had sufficient fuel at the time of the accident. It was reported that the pilot elected to continue the approach on one engine, letting himself be carried away by the luck factor that he benefited in the past in other similar situations.