What happened
On October 22, 1995, at approximately 18:20 local time, a Beech 95 B-55, registration PT-IMH, was participating in a commemorative aerial flyover near Redenção, Pará, to celebrate Aviator's Day. The aircraft was carrying two crew members and six passengers, exceeding the manufacturer's capacity of four passengers.
While flying at approximately 1,50 and over the runway in the 23/05 direction, the aircraft began a longitudinal roll to the left. The maneuver resulted in the aircraft reaching an inverted position before the nose dropped. The aircraft then entered a dive, completing two additional rolls in a nose-down attitude. During the attempt to recover, the aircraft struck the roof of a hangar and subsequently impacted the ground. The impact caused the total destruction of the aircraft. Seven occupants were on board; seven fatalities occurred at the scene, while one passenger survived with serious injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the circumstances leading to the flight, noting that the mission was originally scheduled for the following day but was moved forward at the last minute due to pressure from other pilots. The investigation established that the pilot, while qualified for sightseeing flights, lacked the necessary training and certification for aerobatic maneuvers.
Investigators also reviewed the physiological state of the crew. Evidence indicated that both the pilot and co-pilot had consumed alcohol during celebrations the previous night and on the day of the accident, just hours before takeoff. Furthermore, the investigation found that no pre-flight briefing was conducted for the formation flight, and the aircraft was being operated outside of its certified flight envelope.
Findings
- Unqualified Aerobatic Maneuver: The primary cause was the attempt to perform an aerobatic maneuver (resembling a roll/tonneau) in an aircraft not certified for such maneuvers by a crew not qualified for aerobatics.
- Physiological Impairment: The crew was operating under conditions of significant fatigue and likely alcohol impairment due to recent consumption and lack of rest.
- Operational Deviations: The flight was conducted with an excess of two passengers beyond the manufacturer's limit and without any formal flight planning or safety briefing.
- Psychological Factors: The pilot's decision-making was influenced by external pressure to fly, excessive self-confidence, and a lack of risk perception, while the co-pilot demonstrated complacency.
- Environmental Conditions: The occurrence took place during twilight with dry haze, which limited the natural horizon visibility.