A Manaus Aerotaxi Embraer EMB-110 Banderiante crashed yesterday while attempting a short, one hour flight from Coari to Manaus in Brazil.  Twenty four people were killed and four managed to swim to safety when the plane attempted a crash landing in the Manacapuru River located in the Brazilian state of Amazonas.  Seven children died in the accident.  The four survivors, including one nine-year old boy, managed to open a rear escape hatch (cargo door) and exit the plane before it sank in an area of the river that was around 15 feet deep.  The plane came to rest with only the tail visible above the water line and the cargo door open.  Most of the passengers (at least 18) aboard the aircraft were members of a single family that was travelling together for a birthday party.  The four survivors had only minor injuries and were in good condition (well, physically at least).

According to survivor Brenda Moraes and others, the airplane lost power to one of its engines and then began a descent.  As the plane was descending, apparently trying to reach the small airport at Manacapuru (a riverbank town), it appears to have struck the tree canopy in one of the river’s islands.  The plane then plunged down nose first into the river.  Moraes said the plane sank very fast.  Weather at the time of the crash was a very heavy downpour.  Authorities say the pilot reported having problems and was heading back to Caori airport before contact was lost.  It seems the pilot did not mention the nature of the problem.

A Manaus Aerotaxi EMB-110

The EMB-110 is certified by Brazil’s certification authority to carry 19 passengers and Brazilian aviation regulations permit the carriage of up to 30% more if the passengers are two years old or less and travel on another passenger’s lap.  Manaus Aerotaxi claims the aircraft was within its weight limits.  An interesting note is that Manaus Aerotaxi’s own website described the airplane as having capacity for only 16 passengers.   The website is currently non-operational and only lists a small notice about the accident.  Aviation authorities in Brazil are investigating the overcrowding.  According to Manaus Aerotaxi’s own accounts, the plane had 18 seated passengers and 8 lap seated children.  By Brazilian regulations, the aircraft was indeed overcrowded.  It is well known in Brazil that boats and airplane in the Amazon region of Brazil are sometimes overcrowded.

Given the engine out scenario that appears to have caused the loss of altitude, it’s unlikely that an overweight airplane is the main cause of the crash.  While the plane was likely only slightly overweight, assuming that it wasn’t carrying a large amount of cargo or excess fuel, the weight condition may have led to problems maintaining altitude on one engine or problems with the weight and balance of the plane.  Problems with how the weight is balanced in the plane (in regards to the aircraft’s center of gravity) can lead to control and performance issues.  However, this seems a scenario where an aircraft lost an engine and was unable to make it back safely to an airport in an area with little alternate landing spots.  Judging from the minor injuries in the surviving passengers, the pilots did manage to descend the plane ok.  They probably underestimated the height of the trees or simply couldn’t clear them (also visibility was very low due to rain so maybe they did not see them very well).  When the overcrowded, toddler laden issue may have been a problem was on exiting the plane.  On a plane that full and with that many toddlers taking up people’s useful arms, getting emergency exits open may have been difficult.  It could have been very chaotic inside and account for why only four people got out before the plane sank.  Remember, this is a small airplane with very limited isle space.  In addition, the sink rate would have increased once the cargo door was open.

Velozia Air will keep you informed of any updates to this story.

Related Stories:

• US Airways adds new Hudson River destination.
• Mt. Everest Plane Crash
• Airplane crashes into seaside home.
  

Popularity: 34% [?]