On September 4, 1980, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration PT-IAJ) operated by Companhia Textil Ferreira Guimaraes was involved in an aviation accident near Barbacena, Brazil during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain an adequate altitude during the final approach amidst poor visibility caused by rain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft crashed into a wooded area during its final approach due to low visibility, resulting in no survivors.
What happened
During the final approach phase of flight, an aircraft encountered restricted visibility caused by heavy rainfall. While attempting to land, the pilot did not maintain sufficient altitude, leading the plane to collide with trees in a forested region situated less than 2 km from the runway threshold.
The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were six fatalities among the occupants, with no survivors reported from the crash site.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was insufficient altitude during the approach.
Environmental conditions, specifically rain and limited visibility, played a significant role in the sequence of events.
Probable cause
The pilot failed to maintain an adequate altitude during the final approach amidst poor visibility caused by rain.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 4 Sept 1980 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Barbacena, Brazil?
An aircraft crashed into a wooded area during its final approach due to low visibility, resulting in no survivors.
Were there any fatalities in the 4 Sept 1980 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Sept 1980 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration PT-IAJ, operated by Companhia Textil Ferreira Guimaraes, at Barbacena, Brazil.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot failed to maintain an adequate altitude during the final approach amidst poor visibility caused by rain.
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