What happened
On November 30, 2002, an EMB 711C, registered as PT-NBP, departed from Altamira, Pará, bound for Anapu, Pará. Because Anapu lacked a functional airfield, the pilot intended to land on a section of the Transamazon Highway (BR-230) that passed through the municipality. Prior to the flight, the pilot had contacted local authorities to request a temporary closure of the road, believing traffic would be minimal on a Saturday.
During the final approach, the pilot observed a truck moving toward the highway intersection. In an attempt to avoid a collision with the vehicle, the pilot initiated a go-around. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck overhead power lines crossing the highway at an altitude of approximately 15 meters. The impact caused severe structural damage, including the rupture of the cockpit and the detachment of part of the left wing. The aircraft lost control and struck the ground 300 meters from the initial impact point. The crash resulted in three fatalities (the pilot and two passengers) and one serious injury to a third passenger.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the operational decisions and the regulatory environment of the region. The investigation established that the flight was conducted without a flight plan and that the aircraft, while being operated by a pilot from W & J Táxi Aéreo Ltda, was registered under a private category (TPP) rather than the required air taxi category (TPX).
Investigators examined the pilot's background, noting he was fully licensed and experienced, but identified significant psychological factors, including excessive self-confidence and high motivation to complete the mission. The investigation also scrutinized the role of the operator, finding that the company provided inadequate supervision by allowing a commercial passenger service to be performed using an improperly categorized aircraft and an unauthorized landing site.
Findings
- Improper Landing Site: The decision to use a highway as a landing strip presented extreme risks to the aircraft, occupants, and third parties.
- Inadequate Flight Planning: The flight was planned for a location without an airfield, with the nearest suitable runway located 140 km away.
- Operational Non-compliance: The flight was conducted without a flight plan and utilized an aircraft category inconsistent with the service being provided.
- Human Factors: The pilot's judgment was compromised by excessive self-confidence and a high motivation to fulfill the scheduled transport, leading to the decision to land in an unsuitable area.
- Organizational Failure: The operator demonstrated deficient supervision by permitting unauthorized and unregulated flight operations.
- Regulatory Environment: The investigation noted a local culture of non-compliance, where local authorities were aware of and permitted the use of improvised landing strips.