Were there any fatalities in the 1984-09-24 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1984-09-24 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration PT-BKB, operated by Mecon Taxi Aéreo, at Aripuanã, Brazil.

1984-09-24: Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (PT-BKB) — Mecon Taxi Aéreo — Aripuanã, Brazil

8 fatalitiesAripuanã, BrazilTakeoff (climb)

An engine failure during the initial climb led to a fatal crash involving an aircraft carrying eight people, including seven journalists, near Aripuanã.

What happened

Shortly after departing from runway 18 at Aripuanã Airport, the aircraft entered a critical phase of flight during its ascent. Approximately two minutes into the climb, the pilot transmitted a radio message indicating that one of the engines had failed and that an immediate return to the airfield was necessary.

While attempting to execute a left-hand turn to reposition for landing, the aircraft lost sufficient altitude to strike a forested area situated roughly 6 km from the airport. The impact resulted in a post-crash fire that consumed the wreckage. There were eight fatalities among the occupants of the plane, which included a group of seven journalists who were in the region to report on an official visit by the Governor of Mato Grosso.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified that the primary factor was an engine failure occurring during the climb. The specific underlying reason for the mechanical malfunction remains undetermined.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced an engine failure during its initial climb, leading to a loss of altitude and subsequent crash.