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The Embraer EMB 120 Brasília, a twin-engine regional aircraft designed by Brazilian manufacturer Embraer, initially showed promise but ultimately did not achieve the commercial success anticipated. The plane, which could accommodate around 30 passengers and primarily served short-haul routes, was first conceived in the mid-1970s and made its maiden flight on July 27th, 1983.
Despite significant improvements during its redesign and relaunch in 1979, including enhancements in speed, size, service ceilings, and range specifications, the aircraft faced several challenges that hindered its long-term success. Among these challenges was its limited range of just over 1,000 nautical miles. This restricted the aircraft to shorter regional routes with fewer opportunities for profitability except in well-developed air markets.
Safety issues also plagued the EMB 120 throughout its operational life. "The aircraft was involved in multiple fatal accidents over the years," with data from the Aviation Safety Network indicating it encountered 26 hull-loss accidents resulting in over 200 fatalities. This safety record deterred airlines and operators from continuing to invest in the model.
