Aircraft accident during Brazilian Navy exercise near Fortaleza

4 fatalities • Fortaleza, Brazil • Flight

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the ocean during a joint military exercise off the coast of Brazil, resulting in the loss of all four crew members.

What happened

On a morning during the 'Costeirex Nordeste 85' joint training operation with the Brazilian Navy, a twin-engine airplane departed from Fortaleza Airport at 08:00 local time. The flight was being operated with four crew members on board as part of the coordinated maritime exercise.

At approximately 10:20 local time, while the aircraft was performing maneuvers at an extremely low altitude over the ocean, one of its wings made contact with the water. This impact led to a crash that caused the plane to sink to a depth of 29 meters. The wreckage was located roughly 18 nautical miles from the Mucuripe district of Fortaleza. During the recovery efforts, a portion of the wing was discovered approximately 500 meters away from the primary debris field.

All four crew members on board the aircraft perished in the accident.

Findings

Investigations into the wreckage indicated that the accident occurred during the low-altitude flight phase, specifically when the wing struck the sea surface.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck the water surface while flying at a very low altitude during a military exercise.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1985-06-27 Embraer C-95 Bandeirante accident near Fortaleza, Brazil?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the ocean during a joint military exercise off the coast of Brazil, resulting in the loss of all four crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 1985-06-27 Embraer C-95 Bandeirante accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1985-06-27 involved a Embraer C-95 Bandeirante, registration 7053, operated by Brazilian Air Force - Força Aérea Brasileira (1941-), at Fortaleza, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck the water surface while flying at a very low altitude during a military exercise.

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