1 fatality

2012-07-06: Embraer EMB-820 Navajo/Carajá (PT-ENG) — Microsurvey Aéreogeofísica e Consultoria Cientifica — Espinosa, Brazil

Espinosa, BrazilFlight

On July 6, 2012, an Embraer EMB-820 Navajo/Carajá (registration PT-ENG) operated by Microsurvey Aéreogeofísica e Consultoria Cientifica was involved in an aviation accident near Espinosa, Brazil in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the double engine failure remains unknown. When the right engine failed, the pilot was flying at an altitude of 330 feet which was below the minimum safe altitude fixed at 500 feet. Also, he was apparently using his cell phone. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781194743Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft conducting a low-level survey flight crashed after both engines failed, resulting in one fatality and two minor injuries. The aircraft was destroyed by fire.

Accident Details

On an unspecified date, a twin-engine aircraft departed Guanambi Airport for a low-level survey flight in the region of Espinosa. The aircraft carried one pilot and two observers. Approximately two hours into the flight, while cruising at an altitude of 330 feet, the right engine lost power and subsequently failed. As the pilot executed the emergency checklist, the left engine also failed. The pilot attempted an emergency landing, but the aircraft crashed into a wooded area and burst into flames.

Occupants and Injuries

Both observers evacuated the aircraft with minor injuries. The pilot was killed. The aircraft was totally destroyed by a post-crash fire.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that there was sufficient fuel in the tanks at the time of the accident, as the aircraft had been refueled prior to departure for a planned five-hour flight. The exact cause of the double engine failure remains unknown. Investigators noted that when the right engine failed, the aircraft was at an altitude of 330 feet, which is below the minimum safe altitude of 500 feet. Additionally, the pilot was reportedly using his cell phone at the time.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the double engine failure remains unknown. When the right engine failed, the pilot was flying at an altitude of 330 feet which was below the minimum safe altitude fixed at 500 feet. Also, he was apparently using his cell phone.