Aircraft crash in São Paulo residential area during night approach

1 fatality • São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil • Landing (descent or approach)

A cargo flight bound for São Paulo-Congonhas Airport crashed in a residential neighborhood following an engine failure and loss of control during a night approach.

What happened

On a recent evening, a cargo flight departed from Franca Airport, destined for São Paulo-Congonhas Airport. The aircraft was transporting bank notes and was operated by a single pilot. During the night approach phase, the pilot experienced technical difficulties involving the right engine. In response to this malfunction, the pilot deactivated the engine and subsequently cancelled the IFR flight plan.

Crucially, the pilot did not notify Air Traffic Control regarding the engine failure or the change in flight status. While attempting to approach runway 35R, the aircraft was positioned too high on the glide path. The pilot attempted to execute a go-around, but during this maneuver, the aircraft rolled to the left and lost altitude. The aircraft type crashed into a residential zone, resulting in a post-impact fire that completely destroyed the plane. The incident resulted in one fatality (the pilot) and two injuries to individuals on the ground.

Findings

Preliminary details indicate that the pilot's decision to proceed without notifying ATC of the engine failure and the subsequent loss of control during the go-around maneuver were central to the accident sequence.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to communicate an engine malfunction to air traffic control and the subsequent loss of control during a go-around maneuver.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-06-05 Embraer EMB-820 Navajo/Carajá accident near São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil?

A cargo flight bound for São Paulo-Congonhas Airport crashed in a residential neighborhood following an engine failure and loss of control during a night approach.

Were there any fatalities in the 2001-06-05 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 2001-06-05 involved a Embraer EMB-820 Navajo/Carajá, registration PT-EHL, operated by Oliveira e Silva Táxi Aéreo, at São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to communicate an engine malfunction to air traffic control and the subsequent loss of control during a go-around maneuver.

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