What happened
On April 11, 2001, an EMB-711C, registration PT-NLE, departed from Vilhena (SBVH) bound for Fazenda Santa Elina (SWSE). Approximately fifteen minutes into the flight, the pilot experienced a mechanical failure where the power lever became stuck at twenty inches of compression.
With the engine power unable to be adjusted, the pilot diverted from the original flight plan to seek an alternative landing site. The pilot selected an uncertified, non-homologated landing strip located within the urban area of Colorado do Oeste, Rondônia. This strip was characterized by a gravel surface that was heavily rutted, potholed, and lacked any aeronautical infrastructure or markings.
During the approach, the pilot elected not to shut down the engine as prescribed by the aircraft's flight manual for such emergencies. Consequently, the aircraft touched down at an excessive speed. Upon contact with the ground, the pilot lost directional control, and the aircraft veered right, exiting the runway. The aircraft sustained severe damage to the engine and propeller, along with various injuries to the airframe, including the wings, flaps, and landing gear. The pilot, the sole occupant, escaped the wreckage uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and the mechanical components of the power control system. The investigation established that the power lever seizure was caused by the absence of a safety cotter pin on the nut securing the control cable to the engine power control. This nut had loosened, likely due to standard engine vibrations, preventing the pilot from modulating engine power.
Investigators also analyzed the maintenance history, noting that the aircraft had only flown 5 hours and 35 minutes since its last 100-hour inspection. The investigation considered whether the missing pin was a result of improper installation during that recent service or an oversight during a subsequent minor repair. Furthermore, the investigation evaluated the pilot's decision-making process regarding the diversion and the landing technique used at the uncertified strip.