Tragic Accident Has Been At Center of Political Firestorm

It was one of the most tragic and political aircraft accident in recent history... but the one aircraft to survive an Embraer v GOL Boeing mid-air has finally returned to the USA... four years later and after major political issues in which the Brazilians attempted to assert blame with overtly political motives. 

Legacy 600 File Photo

The folks who got the airplane home, Constant Aviation, are a maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility headquartered at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, completed the recovery of the Legacy 600 involved that nearly went down after colliding with a 737 in 2006. The aircraft has remained out of service in a remote military base in the jungles of Brazil since the incident.

The Constant Aviation Mobile Aircraft Recovery Team traveled to the aircraft to perform the recovery which consisted of wing repairs, avionics equipment replacement, elevator repair and replacement, and extensive systems testing. The 10 member team, comprised of maintenance and avionics technicians, engineers, and crew members, spent three weeks in the remote location performing those necessary repairs to get the aircraft to the necessary flight standards. The Legacy 600 successfully made the flight, totaling over 6 hours, out of the Brazilian jungle back to the states and will remain at Constant Aviation’s Cleveland facility for the remainder of the maintenance work needed to return the aircraft to service.

“I am extremely proud of our Mobile Aircraft Recovery Team and their accomplishments; this is the fifth recovery of this magnitude they have completed. The months of detailed planning that took place between Constant Aviation and all associated parties, including Brazilian officials, the customer, customs agents, and international handlers, lead up to this complex international recovery being executed smoothly. Being the service center of choice to complete this extensive recovery effort and to now have the aircraft at our facility to complete the necessary work to return the aircraft to service is a great accomplishment for the Constant team,” said Stephen Maiden, President Constant Aviation.

FMI: www.constantaviation.com, www.embraer.com