What happened
A twin-engine aircraft belonging to the operator Fenatracoop departed from Cuiabá-Marechal Rondon Airport destined for Londrina. The flight was carrying a total of eight people, consisting of two pilots and six passengers, including three children.
While performing the final approach to Runway 13 at Londrina-Governador José Richa Airport, the pilot notified air traffic control regarding a loss of power in the left engine. Shortly after this notification, the crew lost control of the aircraft. The plane impacted a hangar located approximately 9.2 km before the runway threshold. The impact triggered several explosions, leading to the total destruction of both the aircraft and the facility, which housed six tanker trucks. The crash resulted in eight fatalities among the occupants, though no injuries were reported on the ground.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several contributing factors related to mechanical issues and crew performance:
- Maintenance deficiencies: On the right engine, investigators discovered a loose fuel tube fixing nut and an improperly adjusted turbocharger bypass valve clamp, which caused fuel and gas leaks. On the left engine, impurities consisting of soil and fuel were found clogging nozzles 2, 4, and 6. These contaminants may have entered the system during a lengthy maintenance period between 2012 and 2016.
- Crew performance: Factors such as poor communication, ineffective team dynamics, and potential anxiety among the pilots may have hindered the management of the emergency. Additionally, the crew's lack of familiarity with the GARMIN GTN 650 navigation system likely led to a misidentification of approach waypoints.
- Operational decisions: The decision to proceed with takeoff despite an active warning light on the alarm panel, along with potential delays in declaring the emergency, contributed to the severity of the event. Fuel leakage and engine contamination were primary mechanical contributors to the loss of power.