1982-06-12: Fairchild-Hiller FH-227 — Transportes Aéreos Regionais da Bacia Amazônica - TABA — Tabatinga, Brazil

44 fatalities • Tabatinga, Brazil • Landing (descent or approach)

Probable cause

It was determined that at the time of the accident, the visibility was low due poor weather conditions. Due to a general electrical failure, the approach lights and runway lights were not functioning and the airport was not equipped with an emergency generator. Due to pressure caused by bad weather and the fact that the aircraft was short of fuel, the crew decided to attempt a visual approach in such conditions instead of diverting to the nearest airport of Leticia.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The approach to Tabatinga Airport was initiated by night and poor weather conditions. On final, the aircraft was too low and struck a pole. It lost height and crashed, bursting into flames. The aircraft was destroyed and all 44 occupants were killed.

Probable cause (official findings): It was determined that at the time of the accident, the visibility was low due poor weather conditions. Due to a general electrical failure, the approach lights and runway lights were not functioning and the airport was not equipped with an emergency generator. Due to pressure caused by bad weather and the fact that the aircraft was short of fuel, the crew decided to attempt a visual approach in such conditions instead of diverting to the nearest airport of Leticia.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1982-06-12 Fairchild-Hiller FH-227 accident near Tabatinga, Brazil?

The approach to Tabatinga Airport was initiated by night and poor weather conditions. On final, the aircraft was too low and struck a pole. It lost height and crashed, bursting into flames. The aircraft was destroyed and all 44 occupants were killed. Probable cause (official findings): It was determined that at the…

Were there any fatalities in the 1982-06-12 Fairchild-Hiller FH-227 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 44 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1982-06-12 involved a Fairchild-Hiller FH-227, registration PT-LBV, operated by Transportes Aéreos Regionais da Bacia Amazônica - TABA, at Tabatinga, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

It was determined that at the time of the accident, the visibility was low due poor weather conditions. Due to a general electrical failure, the approach lights and runway lights were not functioning and the airport was not equipped with an emergency generator. Due to pressure caused by bad weather and the fact that…

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