What happened
On January 15, 2018, at approximately 12:43 UTC, a Microleve ML 40 andT aircraft, registration PU-HCJ, departed from Catuleve Aerodrome in Aquiraz, Ceará, for a local flight. Approximately three minutes after takeoff, while maintaining an altitude of roughly 600 feet, the aircraft experienced a loss of control in flight. During the uncontrolled descent, the aircraft struck the canopy of a tree and subsequently collided with a wall of a private property near the shores of Lago Catu. The pilot sustained serious injuries and was transported to the Dr. José Frota Institute in Fortaleza. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by SERIPA II, examined the operational and regulatory status of the flight. Investigators found that the flight was conducted without a flight plan, without notifying air traffic control, and without the authorization of the aircraft owner. The investigation was officially interrupted because the occurrence resulted from a violation of existing aeronautical legislation, which rendered further safety recommendations unnecessary as the primary issue was non-compliance with established regulations.
Findings
- The pilot was operating with an expired medical certificate (CMA) that had been invalid since April 2015.
- The pilot's single-engine land airplane (MNTE) rating was suspended.
- The flight was conducted without the knowledge or permission of the aircraft owner.
- The pilot failed to file a flight plan or make any radio calls to air traffic control services.
- The aircraft was within weight and balance limits and maintained valid maintenance and experimental certificates.
- Meteorological conditions were suitable for visual flight rules (VFR).