What happened
On January 9, 2020, a Cessna 172A, registration PT-BHF, was performing a private local flight departing from the Agroer Aviação Aerodrome (SWMZ) in Rondonópolis, Mato Grosso. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced an engine failure. The pilot attempted an emergency landing in a nearby area of low vegetation. During the maneuver, the landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to nose over. Despite the substantial damage sustained by the aircraft, both the pilot and the passenger were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the pilot held a valid medical certificate and a valid single-engine land rating. While the pilot reported that the aircraft was within weight and balance limits and that weather conditions were favorable, several regulatory discrepancies were identified. The aircraft's Airworthiness Certificate had been expired since June 11, 2019. Furthermore, the maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not up to date.
Because the mandatory maintenance inspections had not been performed according to manufacturer and ANAC best practices, the investigation concluded that a more in-depth technical analysis of the engine failure would not yield additional safety lessons. The investigation noted that operating outside of established regulatory frameworks creates latent safety risks.