Brazilian Air Force plane missing in Amazon

A Brazilian C-98 Caravan military transport plane takes off in Amazon area,Brazil, October 29, 2009. Brazilian Air Force (FAB) Commands aid that a Brazilian Air Force C-09 Caravan disappeared on Thursday during a flight between the cities of Cruzeiro do Sul and Tabatinga.(Xinhua/AFP Photo)
Brazilian Air Force (FAB) Commands aid that a Brazilian Air Force C-09 Caravan disappeared on Thursday during a flight between the cities of Cruzeiro do Sul and Tabatinga.

There were no information on the number of crew and passengers but it is known that this plane has a capacity for nine to 14 people.

According to FAB, the aircraft took off at 8.30 a.m. local time(0630GMT), and should land in Tabatinga at 10:15 a.m.(0815GMT). FAB did not reveal the mission of the flight and it is not known if only military personnel were on board. In humanitarian missions, for example, civilians may be transported by the Air Force.

Two helicopters H-60 Blackhawk and a FAB C-105 Amazonas are already in the region and began a search, according to FAB.

The C-98 Caravan can reach the maximum speed of 341 kilometers per hour. The aircraft made in the United States has 15.88 meters in wingspan and 11.46 meters in length and is used in Brazil, the United States, Bolivia and Liberia.

Source: Xinhua