Narrative:VFR conditions existed en route from Vitória to Salvador until the aircraft encountered clouds at FL100. A descent was initiated and the DC-3 descended through dense cumulo-nimbus (Cb) clouds with strong positive and negative gusts. These gusts caused the displacement of passengers and freight. Control was lost and both wings separated as the aircraft descended at a speed greater than the never exceed speed.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE: "1) Unexpected occurrence of the worst weather conditions en route. 2) Pilots imprudence in initiating a descent without being certain he had flown beyond the turbulence area."
Classification:
Turbulence
Wing failure
Loss of control
Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does
not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Vitória da Conquista Airport, BA to Salvador-Santo Amaro do Ipitanga Airport, BA as the crow flies is 348 km (217 miles).
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.