What happened
During a scheduled flight segment traveling from London to Rio de Janeiro via Recife, the crew departed from Recife-Guararapes Airport during the early morning hours. The aircraft was performing the final leg of its journey following a nocturnal stop in Recife.
Shortly after departing from runway 36 and beginning its climb, the flight crew notified air traffic control that an engine on the right side of the aircraft type had ignited. In response to the fire, the crew attempted an emergency descent to land.
During this maneuver, the plane lost altitude and struck a pottery site located approximately 10 km northwest of the airport in the Apipucos district. The impact resulted in a large fire that consumed the airframe. There were seven fatalities among the crew members on board.
Findings
Investigations determined that the primary factor in the accident was an engine fire occurring on the right side of the aircraft during the initial climb phase.