6 fatalities

2001-01-12: Piper PA-31 Cheyenne (PT-OZY) — Udélio Scodro — Água Comprida, Brazil

Água Comprida, BrazilFlight

On January 12, 2001, a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne (registration PT-OZY) operated by Udélio Scodro was involved in an aviation accident near Água Comprida, Brazil in flight. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that the pilot lost control of the aircraft in poor weather conditions after he suffered a spatial disorientation. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781202956Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft on a private flight from Goiânia to Ribeirão Preto crashed in a sugarcane field near Água Comprida after an uncontrolled descent. All six occupants were killed.

Accident

The aircraft departed Goiânia on a private flight to Ribeirão Preto, carrying four passengers and two pilots, the aircraft's owner and a friend. Three minutes after being cleared by Brasília Control Center, at an altitude of 18,000 feet, the pilot informed air traffic control about poor weather conditions and severe turbulence. Shortly after, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in a sugarcane field located near Água Comprida. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire, and all six occupants were killed.

Aircraft and Occupants

The twin-engine aircraft was on a private flight. On board were four passengers and two pilots, including the aircraft's owner and a friend.

Investigation

Official investigation findings attributed the accident to the pilot losing control of the aircraft in poor weather conditions after suffering spatial disorientation. Several contributing factors were identified: poor flight preparation, poor weather conditions with atmospheric turbulence, the pilot demonstrating anxiety and complacency, the pilot not being properly licensed to operate in instrument flight rules conditions, the pilot's inexperience, and likely inappropriate actions by the pilot while facing an unexpected situation.

Probable cause

It is believed that the pilot lost control of the aircraft in poor weather conditions after he suffered a spatial disorientation. The following contributing factors were identified: - Poor flight preparation, - Poor weather conditions with atmospheric turbulences, - The pilot showed anxiety and complacency, - The pilot was not properly licensed to operate in IFR conditions, - The pilot was inexperienced, - The pilot's actions were likely inappropriate while facing an unexpected situation.