10 fatalities

Crash on Third Approach to Rio Branco Airport Kills 10 (PT-JBQ)

Rio Branco-Presidente Médici, BrazilLanding (descent or approach)

On September 4, 1982, a Learjet 25 (registration PT-JBQ) operated by Companhia Brasileira de Tratores was involved in an aviation accident near Rio Branco-Presidente Médici, Brazil during landing or approach. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of both engines on final approach due to fuel exhaustion following three unsuccessful approaches. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane crashed 5 km from Rio Branco-Presidente Médici Airport during its third landing attempt in poor weather. All 10 occupants were killed. The investigation cited fuel exhaustion and multiple contributing factors.

Accident

The accident occurred during a landing attempt at Rio Branco-Presidente Médici Airport. The approach was initiated in poor weather conditions. On final approach, while it was raining, the crew could not see the runway because it was unlighted. They decided to perform a go-around. A second approach was abandoned a few minutes later for the same reasons. During a third attempt to land, the airplane stalled and crashed about 5 kilometers from the airport. The aircraft was destroyed on impact, and all 10 occupants were killed.

Probable Cause and Contributing Factors

The investigation concluded that the probable cause was the failure of both engines on final approach, which resulted from fuel exhaustion. This fuel exhaustion occurred after the aircraft had made three unsuccessful landing attempts. Additionally, several contributing factors were identified: poor weather conditions, poor visibility, poor flight planning, lack of assistance from the operating company, operational deficiencies, and deficiencies in the airport infrastructure.