Crash of an Embraer EMB-121A1 Xingu II in Santa Branca: 5 killed

Date & Time: Oct 23, 2024 at 1839 LT
Type of aircraft:
Embraer EMB-121 Xingu
Operator:
Registration:
PT-MBU
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Ambulance
Survivors:
No
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Florianópolis – Belo Horizonte – Salvador
MSN:
121-052
YOM:
1982
Location:
Santa Branca
São Paulo
Country:
Brazil
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Circumstances:
The twin engine airplane departed Florianópolis-Hercilio Luz Airport at 1651LT on an ambulance flight to Salvador, carrying three passengers (a doctor, a nurse and a mechanic) and two pilots. A technical stop for refueling was scheduled in Belo Horizonte. While flying in cruising altitude in reduced visibility (almost night and heavy rain falls), the airplane entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in a wooded area located in Santa Branca. The airplane disintegrated on impact and all five occupants, all employees of the company, were killed.

Crash of a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan in Belo Horizonte: 2 killed

Date & Time: Mar 6, 2024 at 1416 LT
Type of aircraft:
Cessna 208B Grand Caravan
Operator:
Registration:
PR-AAB
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Test
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Belo Horizonte - Belo Horizonte
MSN:
208B-0903
YOM:
2001
Location:
Belo Horizonte-Pampulha-Carlos Drummond de Andrade
Minas Gerais
Country:
Brazil
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
After takeoff from runway 31 at Belo Horizonte-Pampulha-Carlos Drummond de Andrade Airport, the single engine airplane followed a steep climb then entered a right turn when it started to lose altitude. It continued in a right turn descent configuration, apparently to reach runway 13, when it rolled to the left, impacted the ground and crashed in a grassy area located south of runway 13 threshold, bursting into flames. The passenger, a technician external to the Police Department, was injured while both pilots were killed. The airplane was totally destroyed by a post impact fire.
Crew:
Guilherme de Almeida Irber, pilot, †
José Moraes Neto, copilot. †
Passenger:
Walter Luís Martins.

Crash of a Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage near Itapeva: 7 killed

Date & Time: Jan 28, 2024 at 1038 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class)
Operator:
Registration:
PS-MTG
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Private
Survivors:
No
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Campinas - Belo Horizonte
MSN:
46-36065
YOM:
1996
Location:
Itapeva
Minas Gerais
Country:
Brazil
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
7
Circumstances:
The single engine airplane departed Campinas-Campo de Amarais-Prefeito Francisco Amaral Airport on a flight to Belo Horizonte-Pampulha-Carlos Drummond de Andrade Airport. After takeoff, the pilot continued to the east when he apparently encountered adverse weather conditions. The airplane entered an uncontrolled descent, suffered an in-flight breakup, lost a wing and eventually crashed in a prairie located less than 3 km south of Itapeva. The airplane was totally destroyed and all seven occupants were killed.

Crash of a Learjet 35A in Belo Horizonte: 1 killed

Date & Time: Apr 20, 2021 at 1430 LT
Type of aircraft:
Learjet 35
Operator:
Electric Power Construção
Registration:
PR-MLA
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Test
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Belo Horizonte - Belo Horizonte
MSN:
35-072
YOM:
1976
Location:
Belo Horizonte-Pampulha-Carlos Drummond de Andrade
Minas Gerais
Country:
Brazil
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
The crew departed Belo Horizonte-Pampulha Airport for a local test flight. After landing on runway 13, the crew encountered difficulties and the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining distance. It overran, went through the perimeter fence (striking concrete poles) and came to rest against trees, broken in two. The copilot aged 76 was killed while both other occupants were injured.

Crash of a Gulfstream G200 in Belo Horizonte

Date & Time: Sep 7, 2020 at 1826 LT
Type of aircraft:
Gulfstream G200
Operator:
Registration:
PR-AUR
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Training
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Belo Horizonte - Belo Horizonte
MSN:
140
YOM:
2006
Location:
Belo Horizonte-Pampulha-Carlos Drummond de Andrade
Minas Gerais
Country:
Brazil
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The crew was completing a local training flight at Belo Horizonte-Pampulha Airport, consisting of touch-and-go maneuvers. After landing on runway 13, the pilot-in-command decided to abort the takeoff. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the aircraft overran, lost its landing gear and came to rest near a concrete block. All three occupants evacuated, among them the captain was slightly injured.

Crash of a Cessna 525 CitationJet M2 in Fazenda Fortaleza de Santa Terezinha: 4 killed

Date & Time: Nov 26, 2018 at 0830 LT
Type of aircraft:
Cessna 525 Citation M2
Operator:
Registration:
PP-OEG
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Executive/Corporate/Business
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Belo Horizonte - Fazenda Fortaleza de Santa Terezinha
MSN:
525-0849
YOM:
2014
Location:
Fazenda Fortaleza de Santa Terezinha (Várzea da Palma)
Minas Gerais
Country:
Brazil
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Captain / Total flying hours:
11000
Captain / Total hours on type:
522.00
Circumstances:
The twin engine airplane was completing a flight from Belo Horizonte-Pampulha-Carlos Drummond de Andrade to the Fortaleza de Santa Terezinha Farm (Fazenda Fortaleza de Santa Terezinha) located in Várzea da Palma, Jequitaí, Minas Gerais. On board were three passengers and one pilot. On final approach to runway 20, during the last segment, the airplane collided with a metallic water irrigation system. The pilot initiated a go around procedure when he lost control of the airplane that veered to the left, impacted the ground and crashed in a field located to the left of the runway, about 600 metres from the initial impact, bursting into flames. The aircraft was totally destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire and all four occupants were killed, among them Mr. Adolfo Geo, owner of the Brazilian group ARG Ltd active in food, oil and construction. He was accompanied by his wife Margarida Janete Geo.
Probable cause:
The following factors were identified:
- Airport infrastructure – a contributor.
It was found that the irrigation pivot, at the point where the collision took place, was impairing the gauge of the approach surface as described in Ordinance 957/GC3, of 09JUL2015, which provided for restrictions on objects projected into the airspace that could adversely affect the safety or regularity of air operations.
- Piloting judgment – a contributor.
The final approach was carried out below the ideal approach ramp, allowing the collision against the pivot, located in the alignment of the runway.
- Perception – undetermined.
It is possible that the PIC, when approaching for the landing, did not notice the irrigation pivot and, therefore, collided with the obstacle.
- Flight planning – a contributor.
There was no prior coordination with the farm employees, in a timely manner so that the irrigation pivot could be repositioned to a safe location in relation to the flight trajectory on the final landing approach.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft C90GTi King Air in Vila Rica

Date & Time: Sep 5, 2018 at 1120 LT
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft 90 King Air
Operator:
Gabriel Claudio de Sales
Registration:
PR-GVJ
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Private
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Belo Horizonte – Confresa
MSN:
LJ-2145
YOM:
2017
Location:
Vila Rica
Mato Grosso
Country:
Brazil
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The twin engine airplane departed Belo Horizonte-Pampulha-Carlos Drummond de Andrade Airport at 0820LT on a private flight to Confresa, carrying five passenger and one pilot. While descending to Confresa, the pilot decided to fly directly to the farm of the owner (Fazenda Angola) located in Vila Rica, about 80 km northeast of Confresa Airport. On final approach, the aircraft was too low when it struck the surface of a lake then its bank. On impact, the undercarriage were torn off and the aircraft crash landed and came to rest on its belly. There was no fire. All six occupants were injured, one seriously. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
The pilot descended too low on approach to an umprepared terrain.
Contributing Factors:
- Attitude,
- Command application,
- Pilot judgment,
- Decision making process,
- Lack of adherence to regulations established by the authority of Brazilian civil aviation.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft C90GTi King Air in Belo Horizonte: 3 killed

Date & Time: Jun 7, 2015 at 1525 LT
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft 90 King Air
Operator:
Registration:
PR-AVG
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Private
Survivors:
No
Site:
City
Schedule:
Belo Horizonte – Setubinha
MSN:
LJ-1891
YOM:
2008
Location:
Belo Horizonte-Pampulha-Carlos Drummond de Andrade
Minas Gerais
Country:
Brazil
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Circumstances:
The twin engine airplane departed Belo Horizonte-Pampulha-Carlos Drummond de Andrade Airport on a flight to Setubinha-Fazenda Sequóia Airfield, carrying one employee of the company and two pilots. Prior to takeoff, the captain informed the copilot he wanted to perform an 'American' takeoff with full engine power followed by a steep climb. After liftoff, the crew raised the landing gear then continued over the runway at low height until the end of the terrain to reach a maximum speed, then initiated a steep climb at 90°. The aircraft reached the altitude of 1,700 feet in 15 seconds then stalled and entered an uncontrolled descent. It dove into the ground and crashed in a vertical attitude into a houses located in a residential area some 800 metres from the airport. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire and all three occupants were killed. One people on the ground was slightly injured.
Probable cause:
Loss of control after the crew initiated aerobatic maneuvers at low altitude.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air in Juiz de Fora: 8 killed

Date & Time: Jul 28, 2012 at 0745 LT
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft 200 Super King Air
Operator:
Registration:
PR-DOC
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Executive/Corporate/Business
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Belo Horizonte - Juiz de Fora
MSN:
BY-51
YOM:
2009
Location:
Juiz de Fora
Minas Gerais
Country:
Brazil
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
8
Captain / Total flying hours:
14170
Captain / Total hours on type:
2170.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
730
Copilot / Total hours on type:
415
Aircraft flight hours:
385
Aircraft flight cycles:
305
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft departed Belo Horizonte-Pampulha Airport at 0700LT on a flight to Juiz de Fora, carrying six passengers and two pilots. In contact with Juiz de Fora Radio, the crew learned that the weather conditions at the aerodrome were below the IFR minima due to mist, and decided to maintain the route towards the destination and perform a non-precision RNAV (GNSS) IFR approach for landing on runway 03. During the final approach, the aircraft collided first with obstacles and then with the ground, at a distance of 245 meters from the runway 03 threshold, and exploded on impact. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all 8 occupants were killed, among them both President and Vice-President of the Vilmas Alimentos Group.
Probable cause:
The following factors were identified:
- The pilot may have displayed a complacent attitude, both in relation to the operation of the aircraft in general and to the need to accommodate his employers’ demands for arriving in SBJF. It is also possible to infer a posture of excessive self-confidence and confidence in the aircraft, in spite of the elements which signaled the risks inherent to the situation.
- It is possible that the different levels of experience of the two pilots, as well as the copilot’s personal features (besides being timid, he showed an excessive respect for the captain), may have resulted in a failure of communication between the crewmembers.
- It is possible that the captain’s leadership style and the copilot’s personal features resulted in lack of assertive attitudes on the part of the crew, hindering the exchange of adequate information, generating a faulty perception in relation to all the important elements of the environment, even with the aircraft alerts functioning in a perfect manner.
- The meteorological conditions in SBJF were below the minima for IFR operations on account of mist, with a ceiling at 100ft.
- The crew did not inform Juiz de Fora Radio about their passage of the MDA and, even without visual contact with the runway, deliberately continued in their descent, not complying with the prescriptions of the items 10.4 and 15.4 of the ICA 100-12 (Rules of the Air and Air Traffic Services).
- The crew judged that it would be possible to continue descending after the MDA, even without having the runway in sight.
Final Report:

Crash of an Embraer EMB-121A1 Xingu II off Angra dos Reis: 3 killed

Date & Time: Jul 12, 2012 at 1715 LT
Type of aircraft:
Embraer EMB-121 Xingu
Operator:
Banjet Taxi Aéreo
Registration:
PT-MAB
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)
Survivors:
No
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Schedule:
Belo Horizonte - Angra dos Reis
MSN:
121-007
YOM:
1979
Location:
Angra dos Reis
Rio de Janeiro
Country:
Brazil
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
2735
Captain / Total hours on type:
2065.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
1820
Copilot / Total hours on type:
1283
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft departed Belo Horizonte-Pampulha Airport on a charter flight to Angra dos Reis, carrying one passenger and two pilots. On approach to Angra dos Reis, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with a cold front approaching the area. On short final, while completing a right turn at low height, the right wing struck the water surface and the aircraft crashed in the sea, some 500 metres offshore. The wreckage was found 3 km from the airport. All three occupants were killed and aircraft was destroyed. Visibility was low at the time of the accident with heavy rain falls, low clouds and turbulences. The passenger was the local representative of the Mercedes Benz Group.
Probable cause:
The collision with water and the subsequent accident was the consequence of the decision of the crew to continue the approach at low altitude to maintain a visual contact with the ground. At the time of the accident, the visibility was limited and weather conditions were marginal.
Final Report:
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