What happened
At approximately 06:50 local time, a scheduled commercial flight departed from runway 1s of Recife-Guararapes Airport, bound for Natal. The aircraft was carrying a total of 16 occupants, consisting of two crewmembers and 14 passengers. Shortly after passing the runway departure end, the copilot requested a return to the airport, specifically requesting runway 36 and a clear path for landing.
Following the request, the aircraft deviated left from its original flight path and flew over the coastline. At an altitude of roughly 400 feet, the aircraft began a right-hand turn over the ocean. After completing a 90-degree turn, the aircraft turned back toward the left, moving further away from the coast. After a total turn of about 270 degrees, the aircraft leveled its wings and directed its course back toward the airport vicinity. While still positioned over the sea, the crew communicated their intention to perform an emergency landing on a nearby beach.
During the approach toward the coast, observers noted that the left propeller appeared to be feathered and rotating loosely. At 06:54 local time, the aircraft struck the ground in an undeveloped area situated between Boa Viagem Avenue and Visconde de Jequitinhonha Avenue, approximately 1,740 meters from the threshold of runway 36. The impact was followed by a severe fire, and all 16 fatalities were recorded.