1996 Madrid Taxi Aéreo Learjet 25 crash
A Learjet 25D similar to the accident aircraft | |
| Accident | |
|---|---|
| Date | 2 March 1996 |
| Summary | Controlled flight into terrain due to multiple contributing factors |
| Site | |
| Aircraft | |
| Aircraft type | Learjet 25D |
| Operator | Madrid Táxi Aéreo Ltda |
| Call sign | LIMA SIERRA DELTA |
| Registration | PT-LSD |
| Flight origin | Brasília International Airport, Brasília, Brazil |
| 1st stopover | São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport, Guarulhos, Brazil |
| Last stopover | Piracicaba Airport, Piracicaba, Brazil |
| Destination | Campo dos Bugres Airport, Caxias do Sul, Brazil |
| Occupants | 9 |
| Passengers | 7 |
| Crew | 2 |
| Fatalities | 9 |
| Survivors | 0 |
The 1996 Madrid Taxi Aéreo Learjet 25 crash occurred on 2 March 1996, originating from Brasília International Airport in Brasília, Federal District, with the destination of São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport in Guarulhos, São Paulo. The aircraft collided with the Serra da Cantareira, resulting in the loss of all nine lives on board, including two crew members and seven passengers. Among the victims were all members of the comedic rock band Mamonas Assassinas, causing a tragedy that garnered significant national attention in Brazil. There were no survivors.
The aircraft involved was a Learjet 25D owned by Madrid Táxi Aéreo, a air taxi service based in Ribeirão Preto. The aircraft was compliant with all mandatory inspections and documentation, authorized to operate as intended.
The accident was classified by the Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA) as a controlled flight into terrain. Contributing factors identified by CENIPA included crew fatigue from an extended work period without rest, the pilot's authoritarian demeanor contrasted with the copilot's passivity, miscommunication between the aircraft and ground control due to improper phraseology, the crew's unfamiliarity with the destination airport's aeronautical charts, and environmental factors such as the low population density of the Serra da Cantareira, which reduced visibility, particularly at night.
The remote location of the crash site delayed rescue efforts, which were only fully executed the following morning. Upon arrival, all occupants were confirmed deceased. The tragedy sparked widespread public mourning, with approximately 100,000 people attending the funeral procession for the band members.