Azol Bloxrazilian Airlines Flight 9183

Long Page
	This article currently has 24,544 bytes and may take a long time to load. Please proceed with caution and wait for it to load patiently.

Azol Bloxrazilian Airlines Flight 9183 was a scheduled passenger flight from Belo Bloxizonte International Airport in Minas Bloxerais, Bloxrazil to Bloxdurado Gomes International Airport in Ro-Manaus. On the afternoon of May 31, 2018, the Robus R320-251N (registered PR-YAX) operating as Flight 9183 ran out of fuel. The captain glided the plane and made an emergency landing at Ranarana Airport. However, the first officer accidentally climbed the plane without any power but the captain did not care, causing the airspeed to decrease until the plane reached to the peak. It then stalled and spiraled to the right in a steep dive and experiencing a sudden in-flight breakup at a extreme supersonic speed and crashed into a open field nearby Ranarana, Bato Grosso. All 152 passengers and crew were killed in the accident; no survivors were present.

On the pre-flight, before the plane departed, the ground crew mistakenly fueled the aircraft to 4,400 kg (9,700 lbs), when the flight crew suggested to fuel the aircraft to 11,000 kg (24,200 lbs). It then took off from Minas Bloxearis, reaching its cruising altitude of 34,000 ft (10,300 m). The flight crew previously did not monitor the aircraft's fuel. It then ran out of fuel while crossing over Bato Grosso. The flight crew noticed they ran out of fuel, so they made a "mayday" call response for emergency, leading to the emergency controller to suggest that the plane divert to Ranarana Airport.

Following the accident, the Bloxrazilian ground crew Toni Veríssimo who mistakenly fueled the aircraft was fired in Belo Bloxizonte. The airline responded that the ground crew have been violated Azol guidelines. A safety improvement and recommendations of the crash was concluded by the investigation. A memorial was erected on May 31, 2022, in the Ranarana Airport, Belo Bloxizonte International Airport and Bloxdurado Gomes International Airport, at the fourth anniversary of the crash.

The Ro-Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center (RENIPA) (Ro-Portuguese: Centro de Investigação e Prevenção de Acidentes Ro-Aeronáuticos - RENIPA) opened an investigation and released the final report on May 31, 2019, the first year anniversary of the crash. The cause of the accident is due to fuel exhaustion, as before departure, the ground crew likely misheard the flight crew to refuel. The flight crew suggested to fueling the plane to 11,000 kg (24,200 lbs). Instead, the flight crew fueled the plane 4,400 kg (9,700 lbs), which was probably only enough to fly at approximately 1,150 km (680 miles). The plane then ran out of fuel while cruising over Bato Grosso. The secondary cause is due to flight crew's decision, as the flight crew chose to not monitor the fuel. When the plane ran out of fuel after a further "mayday" call, the captain tried to hold altitude for interminable, causing the plane to lose airspeed and eventually stall. The flight crew failed to recover the stall, causing the plane to ultimately spiral dive, and the aircraft broke up mid-air with no survivors.

Background

Aircraft

PR-YAX while still registered as SE-RUA, seen in March 2016

Flight 9183 was operated by a 3-year-old Robus R320-251N, registered as PR-YAX, serial number 9520. It was manufactured since mid-June 2015 and had accumulated over 23,000 flight hours since the aircraft was manufactured. It was previously owned by Scandinalien Airlines (SE-RUA) before being acquired by Azol Bloxrazilian Airlines (PR-YAX) in January 2018. The aircraft was powered with two CFM International LEAP-1A26 engines. PR-YAX had operated 33 flights to and from Relo Berzonte with multiple international/domestic destinations. Though PR-YAX has not involved in any major incidents, a minor incident occurred on February 28, 2018 when PR-YAX suffered a runway excursion incident after landing on Runway 15 at Viracoblox International Airport, Campinablox. All passengers and crew survived the incident. Essentially, no one was injured.

Passengers and crew

The flight carried 152 passengers and crew members in total, consisting of 144 passengers and 8 crew members (6 flight attendants, 2 pilots). Many passengers onboard were Bloxrazilian, but some of passengers and crew were from Robloxia, including the first officer, and few passengers from Bloxargentina.

There were two pilots onboard the accident flight:

The pilot in command, a 36-year-old Álvaro Vitorino lived in Ro-Manaus. The captain had started a pilot training on a Flores Airport in April 1997, then joined a Bloxrazilian military service, Bloxrazilian Air Force (BAF). They retired from the military service since January 2005. After retiring, the captain joined Air Gojira and Lemonde Airlines before joining Azol Bloxrazilian Airlines since November 2016. At the time of the accident, he had worked for two years with Azol.

The first officer, a 32-year-old Sylvan Emmanuel, a Robloxian who lived in Livetopia. The first officer had been accumulated over 16,000 flight hours, which over 8,000 hours of them were on the Robus R320. He formerly worked as a cabin crew in Avela Airways, before he started pilot training in September 2015 and joined Azol Bloxrazilian Airlines in January 31, 2016. Azol is the first airline they worked on as a first officer at the time of the accident.

While boarding, the captain recently received a call from his friend, Ademar Constantino, to Ro-Manaus for visiting his friend's house. The friend also lives in Ro-Manaus and have been best friends since elementary school.

Flight

History of the flight

On Thursday, May 31, 2018, the plane took off from Runway 16 at Belo Bloxizonte International Airport, Minas Bloxearis at 11:31 BRT (14:31 UTC). At departure, captain Álvaro Vitorino, and the first officer, Sylvan Emmanuel were flying the plane. It took off without an incident and climbed until the plane cruised at 32,000 ft (9,700m) at 11:44 BRT (14:44 UTC). The flight was initially normal as it headed northwest until the plane cruised over the state of Bato Grosso.

Initial problems

The pilot did not continuously monitor the fuel of the aircraft. An hour into the flight, while the plane was cruising over Bato Grosso, it ran out of fuel. A few seconds later, the captain noticed that the plane ran out of fuel. The first officer also noticed and became slightly fearful. The captain initiated a emergency landing by issuing a Squawk 7700 and a "mayday" call to the radio frequency used for emergency communications, 121.5 MHz. The controller instructed the plane to land at Ranarana Airport, the nearest available airport. At that time, the plane was positioned approximately northeast of Ranarana.

Alvaro: Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, Azol 9183. Ficamos sem combustível, estamos planando. Solicite vetores imediatos para o aeroporto adequado mais próximo.
ATC: Azol 9183, Roger Mayday. O aeroporto mais próximo é o Aeroporto Municipal de Ro-Canarana. Sua posição fica a 58 milhas do local. Desça na melhor velocidade de planeio. Avise as intenções.
Alvaro: Roger, virando para 252°, descendo na melhor velocidade de planeio. Solicite serviços de emergência em espera.

Sequence of events

The first officer accidentally climbed the plane without the captain caring. The pilot chose to glide the plane, causing the airspeed to decrease. It then dropped slowly and began to stall six seconds later as it rolled to the right. At 12:40:33 BRT (15:40:33 UTC), it unexpectedly stalled upside down and caused the airspeed to increase. The crew tried to recover the stall by pulling down, by using a full thrust, but it did not work as the plane had no fuel. It stalled again, rolled to its normal position, and spiral dived to the right. At 12:41:18 BRT (15:41:18 UTC), at approximately 7,000 ft (2,100m), the plane broke up mid-air and crashed into an open field approximately 600m (1,900 ft) northeast outside of Ranarana.

Crash and aftermath

The plane broke-up mid-air at 12:41:18 BRT (15:41:18 UTC), at an altitude approximately 7,000 ft (2,100m) when the cockpit voice recorder data was stopped. The plane crashed into an open field approximately 600m (1,900 ft) northeast above outside of Ranarana. Some of the Robloxians did not witness the crash. However, a few minutes into the crash, most of the robloxians in the northern Ranarana smelled smoke from the crash site. Many Robloxians noticed that an aircraft has subsequently crashed in a open field and caught fire. Local fire trucks and ambulances were transported to the crash site. Many Robloxians in Ranarana used a full water bucket, but the fire rapidly worsened. Firefighters then attempted to extinguish the wreckage, but they would fail until midnight, when the fire would be extinguished.

Impact

Damages

The aircraft experienced a sudden in-flight breakup approximately 7,000 ft (2,100m) at an airspeed of approximately 600 knots (1,100 km/h, 690 mph). Numerous eyewitnesses in Ranarana had reported seeing an "orange light", "an orange explosion", or "a ball of fire" which matched "the time and calculated location of the accident". The Ro-Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center (RENIPA) (Ro-Portuguese: Centro de Investigação e Prevenção de Acidentes Ro-Aeronáuticos - RENIPA) speculated, in their report of the crash, that the impressions of explosions caused by a breach in the fuel tank during the steep dive, as shown "during the autopsies carried on some of the bodies".

Casualties

The crash of Azol Bloxrazilian Airlines Flight 9183 that occurred in May 31, 2018 resulted in all 152 passengers and crew perished in the accident, claiming the lives of 144 passengers and 8 crew members (2 pilots, 6 flight attendants) onboard. It also left families, friends grappling with immense losses. This is the fifth hull loss involving the Azol Bloxrazilian Airlines, known for the second biggest international airline in Bloxrazil.

Notable victims

Among the notable victims were:

Felipe "Lipão" Costa (aged 43), a Robloxian originally from the southern city of Bloxalerge, Bloxrazil born in August 22, 1985, known for its North Bloxmerican influence. In August 2, 2015, Felipe is interested in aviation and began started his BloxTube channel "FelipeSki", starting his BloxTuber career. His videos contain airline reviewing and plane spotting in Bloxrazil. In December 2015, his subscribers increased rapidly every time he uploaded a video related to aviation. In the New Year's Day of 2016, he made the first post on Blox-Twitter, and any other social media, and a recap video every January 2. He became a victim of the AZO9183 crash in late May 2018. His death spurred many of the tributes of her situation from his subscribers in BloxTube. At the time of the crash, his subscribers reached over 2,800,000.

Ethan Evans (aged 38), a native lived from Bloxburg Valley in Robloxia was born in December 8, 1991. He is a master and talented at soccer, as at the age of 17, he was playing for the Bloxmerica Under-20 national team. In late October 2014, Ethan was signed by the Bloxburg Galaxy of Robloxian League Soccer (RLS). Ethan become the most favorite soccer player according to soccer fanatics. In his first season, he helped the Galaxy win the MLS cup. Ethan was killed by the AZO9183 plane crash at an age of 38. He was on the way back to Robloxia after his vacation at Belo Bloxizonte.

Mateo Ramirez (aged 26), a Bloxargentinian national from Roblox Aires born since 1992. Mateo displayed an innate various music talent. Her personal career began in his late teens. His personal development of his music channel came in 2014, with the release of his debut album, "Corazón Alberto" (Open Heart), which achieved a critical commercial success that year. The album's lead single "Alas Rotas" (Broken Wings), became a music anthem for young Bloxargentinans. On May 31, 2018, Mateo tragically died in a commercial aircraft that crashed in Ro-Canarana and became the AZO9183 victim.

Isabella Ferreria (age 42), a Bloxrazil national from Bloxsaldor, Bloxahia born in April 22, 1976. Isabella was a beloved professor at the University of Minas Bloxearis. Isabella's influence was extended beyond the post-image of the university. She was a tireless scientist professor advocate for the science education and worked to promote STEM fields among young Bloxrazilians, particularly girls. Isabella was catatstrophicly killed on May 31, 2018 when she was aboard Azol Flight 9183 on its way to Ro-Manaus.

Investigation

Suspected of ground crew

The Ro-Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center (RENIPA) (Ro-Portuguese: Centro de Investigação e Prevenção de Acidentes Ro-Aeronáuticos - RENIPA) investigated the accident in the following day (June 1, 2018) after the accident. At the initial suspect, the investigators could not find a ground crew who mistakenly fueled the aircraft, leading to the crash. On June 2, the investigators came to Azol's headquarters, telling the CEO of the Azol, John Peter Rodgerson, of the ground crew that mistakenly fueled the aircraft leading to the Flight 9183's crash. John said that a ground crew Toni Veríssimo was fired recently yesterday for violating Azol's regulations.

John explained to the investigators that they probably mistakenly pumped the aircraft, possibly leading to the crash. According to the ATC data recording, on pre-flight, the first officer suggested, "Suggest fuel to 11,000 kilos, ground fuel", but the ground crew were confused and Toni likely misheard the voice from the pilot. He said "Uh... 4400 kilo gram, confirm pump?". The first officer accidentally said yes, causing the ground crew to fuel the aircraft.

The aircraft took off without an incident, but the flight crew did not monitor the fuel system. The flight reportedly flew normally at an approximate speed of 280 knots (518 km/h, 322 mph) and at cruising altitude of 32,000 (9,700 m). The flight path reportedly headed northwest, crossing over the state of Minas Bloxearis, then the capital city of Bloxrazil, Bloxrasilia. When the plane was crossing over the state of Bato Grosso, the plane ran out of fuel, as the pilot noticed that the engines lost power. They monitored that the plane had ran out fuel. An aircraft with 4400 kg (9700 lbs) of fuel could fly 1,150 kilometers (680 miles) of the distance.

Findings

After its visit to the Azol's headquarters, the Ro-Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center (RENIPA) (Ro-Portuguese: Centro de Investigação e Prevenção de Acidentes Ro-Aeronáuticos - RENIPA) released its final report on May 31, 2019, concluding the following cause of the accident:

The probable cause of the crash is due to the ground crew accidentaly miscalculated the fuel, likely due to misheard or miscommunication before the flight's derpature. The secondary cause of the accident was pilot error, in the CVR and the FDR data of the crash. The aircraft reportedly climbed during its glide, pitching up then back to its normal position. This action keeped by the pilot, until the aircraft was stalled and rolled upside down. The airspeed increases rapidly, and a descent at approximately 40,500 ft (12,300m) per-minute. The pilots tried its best to recover the stall when they still have a time, an a approximate speed of 560 knots, the stall was recovered, the captain tried to climb the plane as soon as possible. However, it was too late. It then experiencing a sudden in-flight breakup at a supersonic speed and crashed into an open field approximately 600 ft (1,900m) northeastern outside of Ranarana.

Recommendations

The Ro-Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center (RENIPA) (Ro-Portuguese: Centro de Investigação e Prevenção de Acidentes Ro-Aeronáuticos - RENIPA) implemented the following recommendations:

Airlines should implement more rigorous fuel calculation and monitoring procedures to prevent fuel exhaustion.

Aircraft should have improved fuel monitoring systems with real-time alerts to warn pilots of critically low fuel levels.

Reinforce stall recognition and recovery training, particularly at low altitudes and in emergency situations.

Pilots must be trained to recognize and avoid unnecessary control inputs that can lead to aerodynamic stalls, especially in powerless situations.

Aftermath

Azol Bloxrazilian Airlines

Azol decided to cut their low-cost carrier model and began to operate as more of a standard international airline. Azol Bloxrazilian Airlines still operates now, and it remains a dominant carrier in the continent of South Bloxmerica.

Azol Bloxrazilian Airlines retired the flight numbers 9183 and 9184 (the return flight). The airline still operates the Relo Berizonte–Ro-Manaus route with a new flight number of 550 and the return route with a flight number of 549. The route is now commonly flown with the new Robus R330neo.

Media backslash

The media coverage was praised on many Robloxians in Ro-Canarana, but criticism followed as the RENIPA had revealed several factors contributing the accident. The improper installation of hydraulic lines was not a primary cause2. Investigators were confusing at the time. Then, investigators came to Azol's headquarters, and tell to the CEO of the recent fired ground crews, which the data was confirmed that a ground crew was fired on Azol at Belo Bloxizonte before.

Eyewitnesses of the crash

Embraer Phenom 300's eyewitnesses

The pilot Rogério Braian was ready for a short-haul flight with his small private jet, Embraer Phenom 300, from Ranarana to Cuiablox. On the day of the departure, the air traffic controller and pilot had seeing a small orange object falling. When the air traffic controller and the pilot used his telescope to the orange object, he both witnessed an "orange light", "an orange explosion", or "a ball of fire". They did not understand at first, but the air traffic controller saw that Flight 9183 disappeared from the Ranarana control radar at 12:41:18 BRT (15:41:18 UTC), which matches the same time when the aircraft suddenly went an in-flight breakup and was destroyed. He later witnessed the wreckage after performing the flight's departure.

Safety improvements

The crash of Azol Bloxrazilian Airlines Flight 9183 was primarily caused by fuel exhaustion, which stemmed from a miscommunication between the flight crew and ground personnel. Before departure, the crew requested 11,000 kg (24,200 lbs) of fuel, but only 4,400 kg (9,700 lbs) was loaded, likely due to a misunderstanding. This amount was insufficient for the planned route, leading to the aircraft running out of fuel while cruising over Bato Grosso.

Many airlines were introduced stricter verification protocols for fuel loading, including mandatory cross-checking between flight crews and ground crews. A standardized, clearly written fuel request system was also implemented. Flight crews underwent additional training on fuel monitoring, emergency fuel management, and gliding techniques to ensure they could handle dual-engine failures more effectively.

Many aircraft were equipped with improved fuel quantity monitoring systems and real-time alerts to warn pilots of discrepancies or low-fuel situations well in advance. As well, most of the airlines implemented clearer standard phraseology for fuel requests to minimize miscommunication between flight crews and ground personnel.

Legacy

Memorials

The memorial has been erected on May 31, 2022 and it is designed to honor the 152 lives lost in the accident, serving as a place of reflection, remembrance, and education about aviation safety. The design will be implemented at three different locations:

Belo Bloxizonte International Airport (the derpature of the flight)

Ro-Canarana Airport (Near the site of the crash)

Bloxdurado Gomes International Airport (intended destination of the flight)

The memorial was placed by a curved metallic structure symbolizing the aircraft’s final gliding motion before the accident. The structure will have 152 embedded lights, one for the each victim, which softly glow at night. An engraved black granite wall displays the names of all passengers and crew, along with their portraits if available.

On Ro-Canarana Airport, a circular pool surrounding the monument was placed, creating a mirror effect to symbolize eternal memory. In the center, a floating sculpture of wings represents hope and remembrance. A curved walkway is also placed leading to the monument, lined with 152 small metal plaques, each inscribed with the name of a victim. Benches were placed along the path for visitors to sit and reflect.

A glass-enclosed memorial space in the three airports was added featuring the timeline of Azol Bloxrazilian Airlines Flight 9183’s flight chronology and accident sequence. A digital touch screen with passenger stories, crew tributes, and safety improvements inspired by the tragedy has been placed. There is a section for visitor messages and tributes.

In popular culture

The Bloxanadian television series of Mayday (known as Air Crash Investigation, Air Emergency, or Air Disasters) featured the accident in the season 22, episode 9, titled as "Nightmare over Ranarana", which included interviews with survivors and a dramatization of the accident, which was aired on March 31, 2022.

The Robloxian pay television series of Smithsonian Channel featured the accident by airing a 50-minute-documentary. The series is known titled as "How a Mistake By Ground Crew Leads to an Accident", initially released on November 15, 2022.