Accident Summary
A twin-engine aircraft operating a flight from Recife-Guararapes Airport to Natal-Augusto Severo Airport experienced a double engine failure during the approach phase. The aircraft came to rest in a muddy field after an emergency landing, sustaining substantial damage. Both occupants—a pilot and a passenger—received minor injuries.
Flight Details
The aircraft departed Recife at 0609 local time, carrying one pilot, one passenger, and a load of bags containing bank documents. The flight was destined for Natal-Augusto Severo Airport. The duration of the flight was approximately one hour.
Accident Sequence
On approach to runway 16L at Natal, the left engine failed. Shortly thereafter, at an altitude of about 600 feet, the right engine also failed. Recognizing that the aircraft would not reach the airport, the pilot initiated an emergency landing in an open field. Upon touchdown, the undercarriage collapsed, and the aircraft slid approximately 200 meters before coming to rest in muddy terrain. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a double engine failure on approach caused by fuel exhaustion. Contributing findings included poor flight preparation by the pilot, miscalculation of fuel consumption (the aircraft was fueled with 130 liters the day prior, only 13 liters above the theoretical requirement), failure to verify actual fuel quantity before departure, and deficiencies in the operator's fuel policy, flight planning supervision, and pilot training.