What happened
On June 28, 1984, at 09:10, an EMB 110 operated by Táxi Aéreo Marília crashed into the slope of Morro de São João, near Macaé, Rio de Janeiro. The flight departed from Galeão Airport at 08:34 under an IFR flight plan, carrying 18 people (16 passengers and 2 crew members).
During the flight, the pilot requested the cancellation of the IFR flight plan while near São Pedro da Aldeia, intending to proceed under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). After contacting Macaé Tower and learning that the aerodrome was operating under VFR conditions, the aircraft disappeared from radar. Search efforts began at 11:12, and the wreckage was located at 11:46, approximately 35 kilometers from Macaé and 12 kilometers left of the intended route.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and the aircraft's maintenance history. Technical analysis by the CTA confirmed that both engines were fully operational at the time of impact and that the aircraft was within its proper weight and balance limits. There were no signs of structural failure or engine malfunction.
Meteorological evidence and witness testimonies from local residents indicated that the area was covered by low ceilings, stratus clouds, and drizzle, with the terrain itself being completely obscured. Investigators also noted a discrepancy in navigation information: while a notice at the flight information center suggested a specific approach was deactivated, a more recent NOTAM had actually reinstated it. However, the pilot's decision to fly VFR was primarily driven by the local weather reports and his previous familiarity with the region.
Findings
- The pilot cancelled the IFR flight plan despite meteorological conditions that were unsuitable for VFR flight.
- The pilot's previous two-year assignment in the São Pedro da Aldeia region likely created a psychological factor of overconfidence, influencing the decision to attempt a visual approach.
- Adverse meteorological conditions, including low ceilings and obscured terrain, contributed to the loss of situational awareness.
- The aircraft's right wing struck the treetops, leading to a high-impact collision and subsequent fire that destroyed the fuselage.
Safety action
- Pilots should evaluate both the route and destination weather conditions before deciding to cancel an IFR flight plan.
- Regional air transport aircraft should be equipped with flight recorders to improve operational safety and accident investigation capabilities.
- Flight information services should re-evaluate the management of NOTAMs and procedures in traffic rooms to ensure outdated information is not used as a reference.