Embraer 110 Crashes into Houses During Instrument Approach in Uberaba

Casualties unknown • UBERABA, MG, BR

An Embraer 110 cargo flight crashed into a residential area in Uberaba, Brazil, after descending below minimums during an instrument approach, resulting in three fatalities.

What happened

On December 11, 2004, at approximately 05:16 BRT, an EMB-110 Bandeirante, registration PT-WAK, operated by NHR Táxi Aéreo, crashed into a residential area near Uberaba Airport (SBUR) in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The aircraft was performing a cargo flight from Guarulhos (SBGR) to Uber and was executing an NDB E1 instrument approach to runway 17.

Prior to the approach, the crew was notified by local radio that meteorological conditions were below IFR minimums, with visibility reported at 500 meters and a ceiling of 100 feet. Despite this, the crew decided to proceed with the approach, intending to execute a missed approach if visual references were not obtained. During the final stages of the approach, the aircraft collided with two houses, which subsequently caught fire. The impact and fire resulted in the deaths of the two pilots and one resident on the ground. The aircraft was completely destroyed.

The investigation

The CENIPA investigation established that the aircraft was operating significantly overweight, with an estimated takeoff weight of 6,348 kg, exceeding the manufacturer's maximum takeoff weight of 5,600 kg. Investigators also found that the aircraft lacked a proper cargo restraint system for the mail being transported.

Analysis of the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) revealed that the crew discussed descending to 3,000 feet, which was 240 feet below the established Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) of 3,240 feet. The investigation also noted a 150-foot discrepancy between the two altimeters, and the commander elected to use the co-pilot's altimeter. Furthermore, the co-pilot's blood alcohol concentration was found to be 5.51 decigrams per liter.

Findings

  • The crew descended below the MDA during an instrument approach without obtaining visual references.
  • The aircraft was operating in weather conditions below the required IFR minimums.
  • The aircraft was significantly overweight, which reduced the safety margin and contributed to a stall during the attempted missed approach.
  • There was a lack of effective Crew Resource Management (CRM), characterized by low assertiveness from the co-pilot and excessive confidence from the commander.
  • The operator's organizational culture permitted non-compliant behaviors regarding established safety procedures and weight limits.
  • The lack of a cargo restraint system may have allowed for a center of gravity shift during the maneuver.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the crew's decision to descend below the MDA during an instrument approach in weather conditions below minimums, compounded by the aircraft operating significantly above its maximum allowable takeoff weight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-12-11 aircraft accident near UBERABA, MG, BR?

An Embraer 110 cargo flight crashed into a residential area in Uberaba, Brazil, after descending below minimums during an instrument approach, resulting in three fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-12-11 involved a aircraft, registration PTWAK, at UBERABA, MG, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the crew's decision to descend below the MDA during an instrument approach in weather conditions below minimums, compounded by the aircraft operating significantly above its maximum allowable takeoff weight.

Loading the flight search…