What happened
On January 2, 1994, an EMB 810D operated by Complemento Táxi Aéreo departed São Paulo (Congonax) bound for Poços de Caldas, Minas Gerais. Approximately 32 minutes into the flight, while overflying Monte Sião, the aircraft encountered severe meteorological activity, including cumulonimbus clouds and heavy rain. During this period, the aircraft experienced a loss of control and subsequent in-flight structural failure. The aircraft impacted the ground in an inverted position, resulting in the six fatalities of all occupants.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and found significant evidence of extreme aerodynamic forces. The investigation established that the aircraft's airspeed indicator stopped at 195 knots, which exceeded the aircraft's maximum operating speed (VNE) of 192 knots. Physical evidence showed that the right wing's outer skin had fractured, the vertical stabilizer had separated, and the right stabilizer had also detached. The distribution of debris, with components found up to 260 meters from the main wreckage, indicated that these structural failures occurred shortly before impact.
Investigators also reviewed maintenance records and found irregularities in the aircraft's logbooks. While the aircraft had undergone a 100-hour inspection recently, there were unverified service bulletins and discrepancies in maintenance documentation. Furthermore, the flight plan was submitted via telephone, which may have limited the crew's access to real-time meteorological updates.
Findings
- Severe weather conditions involving cumulonimbus clouds and turbulence contributed to the accident.
- Inadequate flight planning and insufficient meteorological analysis led the crew to penetrate areas of severe weather.
- The aircraft experienced structural failure due to accelerations exceeding design limits, likely caused by improper control inputs during turbulence.
- The crew's limited experience in the specific aircraft type may have contributed to the loss of control.
- Maintenance discrepancies and unverified service bulletins were noted, though a direct causal link to the structural failure could not be definitively established due to the extent of the wreckage destruction.