What happened
On November 21, 1994, an EMB 711A, registration PT-NQM, departed from Fazenda Limoeiro in São José do Xingó, Mato Grosso, bound for Goiânia, Goiás. During the flight, the aircraft entered an abnormal attitude and subsequently collided with the ground at Fazenda Pedreira de Santo Antônio. The impact resulted in two fatalities (the pilot and one passenger) and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators determined that the aircraft's structural limits were exceeded during flight, causing the separation of parts from the wings, stabilizers, and tail. The investigation revealed that the pilot lacked any valid pilot license, instrument rating, or medical certificate. Furthermore, the pilot had not received formal training from a flight school.
While the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid and maintenance was generally adequate, the engine and propeller logbooks were not up to date. The investigation also noted that the pilot failed to consult meteorological reports prior to departure, despite the intended route presenting conditions unfavorable for visual flight rules (VFR), including low ceilings, reduced visibility, and light rain.
Findings
- Adverse meteorological conditions significantly contributed to the loss of control.
- The pilot lacked the necessary qualifications, licenses, and instrument training required for the mission.
- Deficient flight planning occurred as the pilot did not check weather conditions for the route.
- The aircraft suffered structural failure due to the pilot's inability to maintain control under instrument conditions.
- Deficient supervision was noted, as the operator allowed an unqualified individual to operate the aircraft.
- The pilot's lack of formal flight training and experience in instrument flight contributed to the inability to manage the aircraft during the encounter with low visibility and rain.