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3 fatalities

Night Approach Accident at Joinville Airport (PT-WHI)

São Francisco do Sul, BrazilLanding (descent or approach)

On October 30, 1998, a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne (registration PT-WHI) operated by Busscar was involved in an aviation accident near São Francisco do Sul, Brazil during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident involved psychological variables related to the pilot's profile, including excessive self-confidence, self-induced pressures, and inadequate decision-making, combined with deteriorating weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the Brazilian Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into trees 15 km southeast of Joinville Airport's runway 33 threshold during a night approach in marginal weather, killing all three occupants.

Flight and Approach Details The aircraft departed from Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport and completed an uneventful flight before the pilot initiated a descent to Joinville Airport at night under marginal weather conditions. The pilot was informed that visibility at the destination was 2 km with a ceiling of 650 feet. At 2032 local time, the pilot began the approach and advised air traffic control that he would divert to Curitiba if it was raining. Four minutes later, while on final approach, the twin-engine aircraft struck trees and crashed approximately 15 km southeast of the runway 33 threshold. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire, resulting in the deaths of all three occupants.

Probable cause

The accident involved psychological variables related to the pilot's profile, including excessive self-confidence, self-induced pressures, and inadequate decision-making, combined with deteriorating weather conditions. The pilot failed to comply with the planned descent profile and did not adequately plan or brief the instrument descent procedure, leading to performance outside the foreseen profile in instrument flight conditions. The contribution of aircraft parts and instruments could not be determined due to the degree of destruction.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Oct 1998 Piper PA-31 Cheyenne accident near São Francisco do Sul, Brazil?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into trees 15 km southeast of Joinville Airport's runway 33 threshold during a night approach in marginal weather, killing all three occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Oct 1998 Piper PA-31 Cheyenne accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Oct 1998 involved a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne, registration PT-WHI, operated by Busscar, at São Francisco do Sul, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident involved psychological variables related to the pilot's profile, including excessive self-confidence, self-induced pressures, and inadequate decision-making, combined with deteriorating weather conditions. The pilot failed to comply with the planned descent profile and did not adequately plan or brief…

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