Gol Transportes Aéreos Flight 1907 Collision
On September 29, 2006, a tragic mid-air collision occurred involving Gol Transportes Aéreos Flight 1907 and an Embraer Legacy 600 business jet. This catastrophic event resulted in the loss of all 154 passengers and crew aboard the Boeing 737-800 operated by Gol, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Brazil’s history.
Background
- Gol Flight 1907: The flight was a scheduled domestic passenger service from Manaus to Rio de Janeiro, with a stopover in Brasília. It was operated by a Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
- Embraer Legacy 600: The business jet was on a delivery flight from the Embraer factory in São José dos Campos, Brazil, to the United States. It was carrying seven people, including two pilots and five passengers.
The Collision
- Location: The collision occurred over the Amazon rainforest, in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil.
- Time: The incident took place in the afternoon, around 16:56 local time.
- Circumstances: Both aircraft were flying at an altitude of 37,000 feet when they collided. The left winglet of the Legacy 600 clipped the Boeing 737’s left wing, leading to catastrophic damage to the Gol aircraft.
Aftermath
- Gol Flight 1907: The Boeing 737 went into an uncontrollable descent and crashed into the dense Amazon rainforest, resulting in the deaths of all 154 people on board.
- Embraer Legacy 600: Despite the collision, the Legacy 600 managed to make an emergency landing at a Brazilian Air Force base, with no injuries to those on board.
Investigation
- Initial Findings: The investigation, led by the Brazilian Air Force’s Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA), focused on air traffic control errors and potential equipment malfunctions.
- Contributing Factors: It was determined that the Legacy 600’s transponder, which communicates with air traffic control and other aircraft, was not functioning correctly at the time of the collision. Additionally, there were lapses in air traffic control communication and coordination.
- Legal Proceedings: The pilots of the Legacy 600 and several air traffic controllers faced legal action in Brazil, with debates over responsibility and the adequacy of air traffic control systems.
Broader Impact
- Safety Improvements: The collision prompted significant changes in Brazilian air traffic control procedures and highlighted the importance of reliable aircraft communication systems.
- International Aviation: The incident underscored the need for stringent adherence to international aviation safety standards and protocols.
This tragic event remains a somber reminder of the complexities and risks associated with air travel, emphasizing the continuous need for vigilance and improvement in aviation safety practices.
