What happened
On February 24, an Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante, registration PT-GLB, operated by Serviços Aéreos Regionais S/A, was performing a flight from Tucuruí to Belém, Brazil. While on final approach to runway 06 at Belém airport, the aircraft encountered localized heavy rain near the runway threshold.
During the approach, the aircraft was flying below the standard approach altitude. As the aircraft entered the rain, it struck a vessel that was stationary in a dry dock undergoing repairs. The initial impact was followed by secondary collisions with other vessels, including a tugboat. The impact caused the forward section of the aircraft to be destroyed, while the remainder of the fuselage was thrown into the water. The crash resulted in the deaths of both pilots and 10 passengers at the scene, with one additional passenger later succumbing to injuries at a hospital, totaling 12 fatalities.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation focused on the flight path and environmental conditions during the final approach. Investigators established that the airport was closed for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations due to the localized rain. Despite these conditions, the crew attempted the approach under VFR.
Analysis of the flight path revealed that the aircraft was at an altitude of only 50 feet at the moment of the first impact with the ship. The investigation examined the crew's qualifications, noting that both pilots were highly experienced, with the commander having over 15,000 flight hours. The investigation also reviewed the meteorological data and the operational decision-making regarding the transition from instrument to visual procedures.
Findings
- Adverse meteorological conditions: Localized rain obscured visibility and contributed to the collision.
- Inefficient flight safety doctrine: The crew attempted to maintain VFR operations despite weather conditions that were not conducive to visual flight.
- Inefficient flight planning: The decision to proceed with the approach under deteriorating conditions contributed to the accident.
- Inefficient aircraft operation: The aircraft was flying at an unsafe altitude (50 feet) during the final approach phase.