What happened
During the final approach phase toward Porto Alegre-Salgado Filho Airport, the flight crew failed to maintain a sufficient altitude. As the aircraft descended, the right main landing gear made contact with an obstacle, resulting in the component being completely severed from the airframe.
Following this impact, the aircraft continued its descent and touched down on the runway. The loss of the gear caused the plane to slide along its belly for several dozen yards before the movement ceased. Despite the severity of the mechanical failure and the subsequent ground slide, all 51 occupants managed to evacuate the wreckage without sustaining any injuries.
Findings
- The primary factor in the accident was the insufficient altitude maintained by the crew during the approach.
- The collision with an obstacle directly caused the separation of the right main landing gear.