Nighttime aircraft crash near Jacarepaguá Airport

2 fatalities • Jacarepaguá, Brazil • Takeoff (climb)

A single-engine aircraft disappeared into the sea following a night departure from Jacarepaguá Airport, resulting in at least one fatality.

What happened

During a night departure from Jacarepaguá Airport, a single-engine aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent, ultimately crashing into the ocean. Following the disappearance, search efforts located small amounts of debris in the area several days after the incident. On September 4, the body of the pilot was recovered on a beach located in Barra de Tijuca. Despite these recovery efforts, the wreckage of the plane and the body of the copilot remain missing.

Findings

Investigation into the flight's final moments revealed that the crew failed to establish contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC) following the takeoff. Additionally, it was noted that the transponder was not activated after the aircraft departed the airport, leaving the flight's position unmonitored during the descent.

Probable cause

The cause of the crash remains undetermined, though the crew failed to maintain communication with ATC or activate the transponder.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-08-21 Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident near Jacarepaguá, Brazil?

A single-engine aircraft disappeared into the sea following a night departure from Jacarepaguá Airport, resulting in at least one fatality.

Were there any fatalities in the 2012-08-21 Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-08-21 involved a Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class), registration PT-FEM, operated by Fernandes & Martins Catanduva, at Jacarepaguá, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the crash remains undetermined, though the crew failed to maintain communication with ATC or activate the transponder.

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