What happened
During a nighttime arrival at Altamira Airport, an aircraft attempted an approach amidst challenging weather conditions. A significant fog bank was present during the final stage of the flight, which severely restricted visibility. Despite these environmental limitations, the crew elected to proceed with the landing using Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
As the aircraft reached short final, it descended below a safe altitude and collided with trees. The impact occurred approximately 850 meters before reaching runway 07. The accident resulted in 22 fatalities, including both pilots, while 22 other occupants sustained injuries.
Findings
Investigations into the crash identified several contributing elements related to weather and crew performance. The presence of fog, which is common in the region, played a significant role in the reduced visibility. Furthermore, investigators noted issues regarding approach planning and flight discipline, specifically noting that the crew did not adhere to instructions provided by Air Traffic Control.
Human factors were also central to the findings. The investigation highlighted poor judgment by the crew during the decision-making process. Additionally, while the captain had been provided with adequate rest time, his most recent sleep period lasted less than five hours. The report also noted psychological factors affecting the captain, including periods of demotivation and aggression.