Fatal Nighttime Crash of Beechcraft F 33 A in Goiás

Casualties unknown • SÃO MIGUEL DO ARAGUAIA, GO, BR

A Beechcraft F 33 A crashed into trees during a nighttime approach to an unlit farm strip in Luiz Alves, Brazil, resulting in three fatalities.

What happened

On August 7, 1993, at approximately 19:40 local time, a Beechcraft F 33 A, registration PT-OMA, crashed near a farm in Luiz Alves, Goiás. The flight originated from the Aeródromo Nacional de Aviação in Goiânia.

The aircraft arrived at its destination during the night under visual flight conditions, but the target landing site—an unregistered and uncertified dirt strip—lacked any lighting or navigational aids. On a moonless night, the pilot established radio contact with another aircraft parked on the field to request altitude and altimeter setting information. During the descent and landing maneuvers, the aircraft entered an abnormal attitude and struck trees before impacting the ground. The collision triggered an explosion and subsequent fire, which destroyed the aircraft. The pilot and two passengers sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and the operational circumstances of the flight. Due to the extreme destruction of the aircraft, technical examinations of the engine and flight systems were not possible. The investigation focused on the pilot's credentials, the flight planning, and the characteristics of the landing site.

Investigators found that while the pilot's medical certificate was valid, his technical qualification (CHT) and IFR rating had both expired earlier in 1993. Furthermore, the pilot had planned a mission to an uncertified strip without a filed flight plan, and the arrival time was such that the landing occurred in total darkness, despite the pilot's previous experience at the location.

Probable cause

The accident was driven by **inadequate flight planning**, as the pilot attempted a nighttime arrival at an unlit, uncertified landing strip without proper navigational aids. This, combined with the pilot's expired instrument ratings and the high risk of spatial disorientation during a dark, moonless approach, led to the loss of control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-08-07 aircraft accident near SÃO MIGUEL DO ARAGUAIA, GO, BR?

A Beechcraft F 33 A crashed into trees during a nighttime approach to an unlit farm strip in Luiz Alves, Brazil, resulting in three fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-08-07 involved a aircraft, registration PTOMA, at SÃO MIGUEL DO ARAGUAIA, GO, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was driven by **inadequate flight planning**, as the pilot attempted a nighttime arrival at an unlit, uncertified landing strip without proper navigational aids. This, combined with the pilot's expired instrument ratings and the high risk of spatial disorientation during a dark, moonless approach, led to…

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