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Passenger Killed in Fernandópolis Crash Involving Unqualified Pilot (PT-ETT)

Fernandópolis, BrazilTakeoff (climb)

On July 28, 2002, an Embraer EMB-820 Navajo/Carajá (registration PT-ETT) operated by Maria Cristina Cubo Brandão was involved in an aviation accident near Fernandópolis, Brazil during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot was not qualified to pilot such type of aircraft. He did not have any licence nor medical documents. Poor flight planning and a poor evaluation of the weather conditions were considered as contributing factors. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the Brazilian Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Fernandópolis Airport in poor visibility, killing one passenger and injuring five others. The pilot lacked a valid licence and medical documents.

Accident Overview

On an afternoon, a twin-engine aircraft departed Fernandópolis Airport to conduct a panoramic flight over the city. The aircraft was occupied by five passengers and a single pilot. At the time of departure, visibility was poor due to fog, with a vertical visibility of only 40 meters above ground level. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft subsequently crashed and erupted into flames. The accident resulted in the death of one passenger. The remaining five occupants were injured, with two of them suffering serious injuries. The aircraft was completely destroyed in the crash.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation into the accident determined that the pilot was not qualified to operate the specific type of aircraft involved. Further investigation revealed that the pilot did not hold a valid pilot licence nor the required medical documents to legally conduct such a flight with that aircraft. The investigation also cited poor flight planning and a poor evaluation of the prevailing weather conditions as contributing factors to the accident.

Probable cause

The pilot was not qualified to pilot such type of aircraft. He did not have any licence nor medical documents. Poor flight planning and a poor evaluation of the weather conditions were considered as contributing factors.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jul 2002 Embraer EMB-820 Navajo/Carajá accident near Fernandópolis, Brazil?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Fernandópolis Airport in poor visibility, killing one passenger and injuring five others. The pilot lacked a valid licence and medical documents.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Jul 2002 Embraer EMB-820 Navajo/Carajá accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jul 2002 involved an Embraer EMB-820 Navajo/Carajá, registration PT-ETT, operated by Maria Cristina Cubo Brandão, at Fernandópolis, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot was not qualified to pilot such type of aircraft. He did not have any licence nor medical documents. Poor flight planning and a poor evaluation of the weather conditions were considered as contributing factors.

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