What happened
On June 19, 2000, an EMB-8/10 D aircraft, registration PT-RGE, departed from Fazenda Arara Azul, Mato Grosso, en route to Coxim, Mato Grosso do Sul. The flight, which included the pilot and five passengers, was part of a group of three aircraft returning from a fishing trip. The aircraft was flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and initially maintained visual contact with the terrain at approximately 1,400 feet.
During the flight, the pilot received radio updates from the other two aircraft in the group, indicating that the weather at the destination was unfavorable and that they would be making a precautionary landing at a different location. Despite this information, the pilot of PT-RGE decided to proceed toward Coxim. As the aircraft approached the Serra de Maracaju, visibility significantly decreased due to heavy fog. The aircraft eventually struck an elevation of approximately 1,500 feet, roughly 12 nautical miles southwest of Coxim. The impact caused the aircraft to break apart and catch fire, resulting in 6 fatalities.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and determined that the engines and propellers were in normal operating condition and producing power at the moment of impact. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft had sufficient fuel for the intended flight and the remaining endurance. While the pilot held valid commercial and IFR licenses, specific flight hour data could not be verified due to unavailable logbooks.
Investigators also analyzed the meteorological conditions, noting that the area was covered by low clouds and that the destination airport lacked instrument approach procedures. The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making process, specifically the choice to continue a VFR flight into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) and the failure to execute a planned alternative landing or climb to a safe minimum safe altitude.