What happened
On January 13, 2017, at approximately 16:00 UTC, a Robinson R44 helicopter was engaged in a private flight near Buritama, São Paulo. During the flight, the aircraft collided with electrical transmission wires. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and one passenger, both of whom sustained light injuries. Following the impact, the occupants were treated at the scene but could not be located by authorities afterward.
The aircraft involved was operating under the registration PP-MFM; however, investigators discovered that the physical identification plates on the airframe still displayed the registration PT-YPW. The operator of the aircraft registered as PP-MFM was contacted by investigators and provided photographic evidence to assist in the process.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed a significant lack of regulatory compliance regarding both the personnel and the aircraft. The investigation established that the pilot was operating without a valid Pilot License or a valid Medical Certificate (CMA).
Regarding the airworthiness of the aircraft, the investigation found that the Certificate of Airworthiness for PT-YPH had been canceled since March 27, 2013. Furthermore, the last annual maintenance inspection had expired on July 27, 2011, and no maintenance records for the aircraft were available for review. Due to the presence of illegal acts and the fact that the operation was in direct violation of established aviation regulations, the investigation was officially interrupted, as the findings indicated that the safety risks were a result of non-compliance with existing laws rather than new technical findings.
Findings
- The pilot was operating without a valid pilot license or medical certificate.
- The aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness had been invalid since 2013.
- The annual maintenance inspection was significantly overdue.
- There were no maintenance records available for the aircraft.
- The aircraft was displaying mismatched registration markings, using PP-MFM while the airframe plates showed PT-YPW.