Accidents
Weather, Training Factors in Brazil Campaign Crash
Brazilian investigators point to IMC conditions and a lack of training on missed approaches in the 560 XLS+ in the August 13, 2014 crash.

Weather that sharply deteriorated from VFR to IFR conditions surprised a possibly tired crew that lacked specific training for the Citation 560 XLS+, leading to spatial disorientation. That was the conclusion of Brazil's Cenipa in its final report on the Aug. 13, 2014 crash that killed all seven aboard the airplane carrying Eduardo Campos and members of his presidential campaign team. On takeoff from Rio de Janeiro at 8:21 a.m. local time, the crew of PR-AFA likely had a 7 a.m. report of VFR conditions with five-mile visibility and a 2,200-foot ceiling at the destination. But on arrival at the port of Santos near São Paulo 40 minutes later, conditions were close to IFR minimums, with the ceiling at 800 feet, only 100 feet above minimums, and visibility less than two miles.