http://www.asigroup.com/HOTSPOTS.asp#129029
Local media reports on 4 October 2006 state that the pilots of an Embraer Legacy jet that collided with a Boeing 737 operated by Gol on 29 September remain detained in Brazil and that their U.S. passports have been seized. Reports indicate that while representatives of ExcelAire (the U.S.-based company that bought the Legacy) claim that the pilots onboard the flight were commercial pilots who are licensed to fly Embraer aircraft, the U.S. Federal Administration Agency (FAA) indicated that the pilot of the executive jet does not have the required license to fly this type of aircraft. The co-pilot does have this certification, according to the registries.
The U.S. pilots’ situation has become more complicated, as Brazilian aviation authorities have alleged that the radar registries revealed that they were flying with the transponder turned off and that they did not respond to the call of the Cindacta 1 control tower in Brasilia. After the collision, however, the pilots allegedly turned on the transponder and contacted the control tower, announcing they had hit an unidentified object. Brazilian aviation authorities are considering the possibility that the new aircraft developed technical difficulties with the transponder and that human error may have also played a role in the collision. The Federal Police force is also involved in the investigation. ASI Group will continue to update as information becomes available.
Has the (possible) lack of license been mentioned yet?