What happened
On January 29, 1992, a BEECH V-35A, registration PT-DDL, crashed near Fazenda Sucuri, Tocantins. The flight was originally filed as a visual flight rules (VFR) mission from Porto Nacional (SBPN) to Gurupi (SNGI), carrying three people. However, the pilot deviated from the flight plan, instead flying toward Goiânia (SBGO) to transport a relative for medical treatment, while carrying a total of six occupants.
During the flight, the aircraft encountered heavy rain and significantly reduced visibility. Witnesses near the crash site observed the aircraft flying at a very low altitude under severe weather conditions. The aircraft struck trees at approximately 15 meters above the ground, causing the left wing to separate, before impacting the ground. The impact was so violent that the occupants were thrown from the wreckage. There were six fatalities and the aircraft was a total loss.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that while the weather at the departure and arrival aerodromes was suitable for VFR flight, the conditions along the route were not. The pilot held a commercial license but lacked an instrument rating (IFR), meaning the flight should not have proceeded into IMC (instrument meteorological conditions).
Investigators found that the pilot likely descended to a lower altitude to attempt to maintain visual contact with the ground while encountering deteriorating weather. The investigation also noted that the pilot provided inaccurate information regarding both the intended destination and the number of people on board, which hindered potential air traffic assistance and search efforts.
Findings
- Improper flight planning: The pilot failed to adequately analyze the weather conditions along the flight route.
- Adverse meteorological conditions: The presence of heavy precipitation and low ceilings made VFR flight impossible.
- Poor judgment: The pilot attempted to continue the flight at low altitudes despite the lack of an instrument rating.
- Flight indiscipline: The pilot intentionally deviated from the filed flight plan and operated below safe minimums.
- Operational deviations: The aircraft was operated with more occupants than reported in the flight plan.