4 fatalities

Fatal Accident After Left Engine Failure During Initial Climb at Jacobina Airport (PT-ENI)

Jacobina, BrazilTakeoff (climb)

On June 5, 1997, an Embraer EMB-820 Navajo/Carajá (registration PT-ENI) operated by Bahia Táxi Aéreo - BATA was involved in an aviation accident near Jacobina, Brazil during takeoff. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The following findings were identified: - Poor crew training, - Pool fuel consumption calculation on part of the crew, - Wrong crew's decision to fly on one engine, - Inappropriate of aircraft controls, - Poor crew coordination, - Poor flight planning. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

Shortly after takeoff from Jacobina Airport, the left engine lost power during initial climb. The crew initiated a sharp left turn, resulting in loss of altitude, striking an electric pole, and crashing near the runway end. The aircraft was destroyed and all four occupants were killed.

Accident Narrative

Shortly after takeoff from Jacobina Airport, while in initial climb, the left engine lost power. The crew initiated a sharp turn to the left. The aircraft then lost height, struck an electric pole, and crashed near the runway end. The aircraft was destroyed and all four occupants were killed.

Probable Cause Findings

The official investigation identified the following findings:

  • Poor crew training
  • Pool fuel consumption calculation on part of the crew
  • Wrong crew decision to fly on one engine
  • Inappropriate use of aircraft controls
  • Poor crew coordination
  • Poor flight planning

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jun 1997 Embraer EMB-820 Navajo/Carajá accident near Jacobina, Brazil?

Shortly after takeoff from Jacobina Airport, the left engine lost power during initial climb. The crew initiated a sharp left turn, resulting in loss of altitude, striking an electric pole, and crashing near the runway end. The aircraft was destroyed and all four occupants were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Jun 1997 Embraer EMB-820 Navajo/Carajá accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jun 1997 involved an Embraer EMB-820 Navajo/Carajá, registration PT-ENI, operated by Bahia Táxi Aéreo - BATA, at Jacobina, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The following findings were identified: - Poor crew training, - Pool fuel consumption calculation on part of the crew, - Wrong crew's decision to fly on one engine, - Inappropriate of aircraft controls, - Poor crew coordination, - Poor flight planning.