Aircraft ditching off the coast of Rio de Janeiro

No fatalities • Jacarepaguá, Brazil • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine aircraft was ditched in the ocean near Rio de Janeiro after the pilot encountered technical difficulties during a survey flight.

What happened

During an afternoon survey mission operating near the State of Rio de Janeiro, a twin engine aircraft departed from Jacarepaguá-Roberto Marinho Airport. While the flight was in the process of returning to its home base, the pilot experienced mechanical or operational issues with the aircraft.

Due to the complications encountered during the flight, the pilot made the decision to perform a ditching maneuver. The aircraft landed on the water a few hundred meters away from the coastline. Following the impact, the aircraft subsequently sank beneath the surface. All three occupants on board were successfully rescued from the scene.

Findings

No specific technical cause for the initial problems encountered during the flight was documented in the available report, though the pilot's decision to ditch was prompted by encountered problems during the return leg of the mission.

Probable cause

The pilot performed an emergency ditching due to unspecified technical difficulties encountered during the return flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-07-24 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Jacarepaguá, Brazil?

A twin-engine aircraft was ditched in the ocean near Rio de Janeiro after the pilot encountered technical difficulties during a survey flight.

Were there any fatalities in the 2012-07-24 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-07-24 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration PT-WOT, operated by Fugro Airborne Surveys, at Jacarepaguá, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot performed an emergency ditching due to unspecified technical difficulties encountered during the return flight.

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