What happened
On December 22, 1999, an EMB 710 D, registration PT-RLI, departed from Vila Rica, Mato Grosso, bound for Goiânia. Approximately 80 minutes into the flight, the aircraft encountered heavy precipitation near Aragua andçu, Tocantins. Witnesses at Fazenda São João observed the aircraft flying at a low altitude beneath a heavy cloud layer. Shortly after the aircraft disappeared into the weather formation, a loud impact was heard. The aircraft struck the ground in an inverted position and was destroyed by the impact and a subsequent fire. There were 5 fatalities among the occupants.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the person operating the aircraft was the owner and did not possess a valid pilot's license or a medical certificate issued by the Department of Civil Aviation (DAC). The investigation found that the operator had received only informal flight instruction from an unqualified individual. While the aircraft's maintenance records were up to date and the engine appeared to be at full power at the moment of impact, the pilot encountered Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) involving cumulonimbus clouds. Lacking the necessary training for instrument flight, the operator was unable to maintain control, leading to an abnormal flight attitude and the eventual collision with the ground.
Findings
- Unlicensed Operation: The aircraft was operated by an individual without any legal authorization, license, or medical certification to fly.
- Adverse Weather: The presence of heavy rain and IMC conditions prevented the operator from maintaining visual references and control.
- Lack of Training: The operator relied on informal, non-standardized flight instruction, leaving them unprepared for weather-related challenges.
- Operational Non-compliance: The flight was conducted in violation of aviation regulations regarding pilot qualification and flight supervision.