Amazonas state security secretary Vinicius Almeida said initial information suggested the plane crashed after running out of runway when it descended into Barcelos during heavy rain and low visibility.

Fourteen people were killed on Saturday when a small passenger plane crashed in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest while trying to land during bad weather, Amazonas state Gov. Wilson Lima announced.

The Embraer PT-SOG aircraft was nearing the end of its 400km (248 mile) trip between Manaus, the capital of Amazonas state, and the remote jungle town of Barcelos when it went down.

Amazonas state security secretary Vinicius Almeida told a news conference that the plane’s pilot was approaching the town in heavy rain, with low visibility, and appeared to inadvertently start landing halfway down the runway.

The plane ran out of landing strip and crashed, killing all 12 passengers and two crew on board, Almeida said.

Initial investigations indicated the passengers were all Brazilian men traveling to the region for sport fishing, the state government said in a statement.

“I deeply regret the death of the 12 passengers and two crew members who were victims of the plane crash in Barcelos on Saturday,” Lima said on X, formerly Twitter.

“Our teams have been working from the outset to provide the necessary support. My sympathy and prayers go out to their families and friends,” he added.

The Brazilian Air Force sent a team from Manaus to collect information and preserve any evidence that could be used for the investigation into the cause of the crash, an Air Force statement said.

The plane’s owner, Manaus Aerotáxi, said the aircraft and its crew met all the necessary requirements to be flying, G1 reported.

The airline issued a statement confirming there had been an accident and that it was investigating but offering no details about deaths or injuries.

“We count on respect for the privacy of those involved at this difficult time and will be available to provide all necessary information and updates as the investigation progresses,” Manaus Aerotáxi said.

Located on the Rio Negro, an Amazon tributary, Barcelos is a popular tourist destination as it lies close to several national parks.

September is considered to be the start of the peak fishing season in Amazonas, which is especially known for its various species of ornamental fish such as the “tucunaré” – also known as peacock bass.