What happened
On August 22, 1990, an EMB-810C aircraft, registration PT-EIQ, crashed near the abandoned Jacarandá Farm runway in Santa Maria da Vitória, Bahia. The flight, which was an unauthorized ferry flight without a filed flight plan, departed from the Projeto Formoso aerodrome.
Upon arriving at the destination, the pilot performed several low-altitude passes, approximately 30 meters above the ground, over the farm's main house. Following these passes, the pilot attempted to land on the abandoned, uncertified strip, which was in poor condition with irregular gravel and vegetation. During the approach, the aircraft entered a steep climb, followed by a sharp, high-banked turn in the opposite direction of travel. This maneuver caused a significant loss of altitude and airspeed, resulting in a violent impact with the ground. The aircraft slid 150 meters after the collision, and a fire broke out in the left wing. The pilot died at the scene, and the co-pilot succumbed to injuries approximately 10 minutes after being rescued.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators established that the aircraft was in airworthy condition, with all maintenance and inspections up to date. The weather conditions were favorable (CAVOK). The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making and flight conduct, noting that the original mission plan had been abandoned in favor of an improvised flight to transport passengers more conveniently. Investigators analyzed the flight path and witness accounts, concluding that the pilot likely attempted an unauthorized "reversment" (a type of acrobatic maneuver) which led to an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.
Findings
- Improper decision-making and planning: The pilot deviated from the original flight plan to land at an uncertified, unmaintained, and unapproved location.
- Flight indiscipline: The crew performed unauthorized low-altitude passes and maneuvers not permitted by the aircraft's operational manual.
- Psychological factors: The pilot exhibited low motivation for flight activities, which manifested as a disregard for air traffic rules, safety procedures, and operational standards.
- Unsafe maneuvers: The loss of control was likely caused by an unapproved acrobatic maneuver leading to a stall.