A tragedy has unfolded in Brazil after 14 people onboard an Embraer EMB-110P1 Bandeirante were killed when the aircraft crashed during landing.
According to the Government of Amazonas, there were 12 passengers and two crew members onboard when the pilot attempted to land at Barcelos Airport (BAZ) in testing conditions.
It is understood that the passengers travelling on the Embraer were visiting the area to practice sport fishing.
The twin-engine turboprop, registered PT-SOG and owned by Manaus Aerotaxi, came into land at BAZ on Saturday, September 16, 2023, while there was heavy rain and low visibility.
Although an official account of what happened has not been confirmed, it has been speculated that the 33-aircraft ran out of runway.
The Secretary of Public Security of Amazonas, Colonel Vinícius Almeida, said: “The aircraft landed, but did not have enough runway to brake “
According to Brazilian news site G1, two aircraft cancelled their landing at the airport before the crash occured.
The governor of Amazonas Wilson Lima said: “I deeply regret the death of the 12 passengers and two crew members, victims of the plane crash that occurred this Saturday, in Barcelos. Our teams are working from the outset to provide the necessary support. To family and friends, my solidarity and prayers.”
At a news conference it was announced that investigators from the Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA), of the Brazilian Air Force, will head to the crash site on Sunday, September 17, 2023.
Almeida told the gathered reporters: “Tomorrow, around 5am, an aircraft provided by the Air Force left Manaus, with members of the DPTC, Civil Police and Fire Department. The expectation is that tomorrow we can bring the bodies to Manaus and, immediately, do all the work at the IML and release the bodies”
🇧🇷 Tragedy in Brazil: Tourist Plane Crash Claims 14 Lives in Amazonas State 🛩️💔
— ChroniBuzz (@liv59224) September 17, 2023
A devastating plane crash in Barcelos, Amazonas state, Brazil, has resulted in the loss of at least 14 lives. The ill-fated aircraft was carrying 12 tourists, along with a pilot and co-pilot.
Our… pic.twitter.com/EgAeFUGNN2
