Fatal aircraft crash near São Paulo during approach

9 fatalities • São Paulo-Guarulhos, Brazil • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a wooded area during a night approach to São Paulo, resulting in the deaths of all nine people on board.

What happened

During a charter flight traveling from Brasília to São Paulo, a twin-engine aircraft was performing its final approach under conditions of low visibility caused by darkness, cloud cover, and a lack of ground lighting. The flight was transporting nine individuals, including the crew and members of a musical group.

While attempting the approach, the flight crew determined that the aircraft was at an incorrect position, characterized by excessive speed and an altitude that was too high for the glide path. In response, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure. During the subsequent maneuver, the captain began a left-hand turn. At an altitude of approximately 3,280 feet, the plane collided with trees in a heavily forested region situated roughly 11 km from the destination airport. The impact caused the total destruction of the aircraft, and all nine fatalities were recorded.

Findings

  • The approach was conducted in limited visibility due to nighttime conditions and cloud cover.
  • The crew attempted to correct an erroneous flight path involving excessive speed and high altitude by performing a go-around.
  • The aircraft struck obstacles during a turn following the decision to abort the landing.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck trees during a go-around maneuver while the crew was attempting to correct an incorrect approach profile in low-visibility conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-03-02 Learjet 25 accident near São Paulo-Guarulhos, Brazil?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a wooded area during a night approach to São Paulo, resulting in the deaths of all nine people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1996-03-02 Learjet 25 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-03-02 involved a Learjet 25, registration PT-LSD, operated by Madrid Taxi Aéreo, at São Paulo-Guarulhos, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck trees during a go-around maneuver while the crew was attempting to correct an incorrect approach profile in low-visibility conditions.

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