What happened
On April 26, 1994, a Cessna 208 Caravan, registration PT-OGI, operated by Pena Táxi Aéreo Ltda, departed from Mundico Coelho (SNMD) bound for Jacareacanga (SBEK) at approximately 06:40Q. Shortly after takeoff, the crew established contact with Jacareacanga Radio, which informed them that the destination aerodrome was experiencing zero ceiling and visibility of only 300 meters, conditions well below the required minimums.
Despite being notified that the airport was closed for IFR operations, the crew continued the flight. At 07:07Q, the crew reported they were five minutes from the destination, cruising at 3,500 feet. They remained in the area for over twenty minutes, circling while awaiting better weather. At 07:37Q, radio operators queried if the aircraft could see the aerodrome; the crew responded negatively. The radio operator then warned the crew regarding the sector's minimum altitude of 3,000 feet. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft ceased all communications. The aircraft subsequently struck trees with its right wing before impacting the ground, resulting in the two fatalities of the crew.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the crew's qualifications, the meteorological conditions, and the operational decisions made prior to the impact. Investigators examined the wreckage, noting that the engine was operating at power at the time of impact and the flight controls were functional. However, the investigation was hampered by the remote jungle location and the fact that local bystanders had removed several pieces of the wreckage.
The investigation established that the pilot in command was only a Private Pilot and lacked the necessary instrument rating (IFR) or the specific type rating for the Cessna 208 Caravan. While the co-pilot was instrument-rated and qualified for the aircraft type, the crew proceeded into an area with heavy surface fog (known locally as *aru*) that was hugging the forest canopy.
Findings
- The crew failed to verify the destination's meteorological conditions prior to departure.
- The crew continued the flight despite explicit warnings from air traffic services regarding visibility and ceiling.
- The aircraft was likely flying below the sector's minimum altitude in an attempt to maintain visual contact with the terrain.
- The pilot in command lacked the legal qualifications for the aircraft type and did not hold an instrument rating required for the weather conditions encountered.
- There were significant organizational failures, including deficient supervision by the operator, which allowed an unqualified pilot to operate the aircraft in a commercial capacity.
- There was evidence of poor cockpit coordination and a lack of flight planning regarding the known weather constraints.