What happened
On June 4, 2002, an EMB-721C operated by Táxi Aéreo Marco Zero Ltda. departed Oiapoque, Brazil, bound for Macapá. The flight was carrying one pilot and four passengers. The aircraft was flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) with a planned altitude of 065 feet. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft made its final radio contact with Oiapoque tower. Approximately 42 NM into the flight, the aircraft entered a near-vertical dive and struck the terrain in a dense jungle area. The impact was so violent that the aircraft was completely destroyed, and all five fatalities (one pilot and four passengers) occurred at the scene.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation established that the flight was delayed by three hours due to ground transportation issues, which left the pilot visibly irritated. While the pilot was highly experienced and held valid IFR ratings, the aircraft was only certified for VFR operations. During the investigation, authorities found that the pilot had been offered a more suitable aircraft—a twin-engine Seneca II equipped with weather radar—but chose to proceed with the PT-EPH instead.
Investigators examined the wreckage and found evidence of a high-G impact consistent with a descending spiral. Although the engine's fuel pump appeared intact, the fuel injection pump showed signs of contamination and improper maintenance. The investigation also noted that the pilot was aware of a reported low-pressure issue with the artificial horizon's suction pump, which could have led to spatial disorientation during the flight.
Findings
- Adverse Weather Conditions: The flight proceeded through low clouds and active cumulonimbus clouds, which were unsuitable for VFR flight.
- Improper Decision Making: The pilot demonstrated excessive self-confidence and a drive to complete the mission despite known weather risks and a reported instrument malfunction.
- Deficient Planning: The mission was planned using an aircraft unsuitable for the prevailing meteorological conditions.
- Inadequate Supervision: The operator suggested, but did not mandate, the use of a more appropriate IFR-certified aircraft, allowing the pilot to make a high-risk choice.
- Psychological Factors: The pilot's motivation to avoid an overnight stay and his irritation due to previous delays contributed to a failure in sound judgment.