On May 14, 2004, Rico Linhas Aéreas Flight 4815, operated by a Beechcraft 1900D, was en route to Eduardo Gomes International Airport in Manaus, Brazil, when it encountered severe weather conditions during its final descent. The flight originated from the city of Tefé and was carrying 30 passengers and 3 crew members. As the aircraft approached the airport, it experienced difficulties navigating through turbulent weather, which ultimately led to it crashing into the dense Amazon rainforest. The flight's descent was abrupt and seemingly uncontrolled, resulting in a tragic loss of all 33 individuals on board.

The remote setting of the crash site complicated rescue and recovery efforts. Rescue teams faced numerous challenges as they tried to reach the area, including adverse weather conditions, the dense forest, and logistical difficulties in communication. The Brazilian authorities initiated a thorough investigation to ascertain the causes behind the crash. Preliminary findings suggested that poor weather, including rain and high winds, likely played a significant role in the accident, raising concerns about cabin safety protocols and the flight's operational methods.

In the aftermath, this accident led to greater scrutiny of regional airline operations in Brazil, including regulatory oversight and adherence to safety standards. The tragic loss prompted calls for improvements in navigation aids and more stringent weather monitoring protocols to ensure passenger safety in the future.