What happened
On January 14, 2017, an EMBRAER EMB-201A, registration PT-UCQ, was found crashed in a rice plantation at Fazenda Santa Amélia, located in Querência do Norte, Paraná. The aircraft, operated by Onesko Aviação Agrícola Ltda-ME, sustained substantial damage upon impact with the ground. Following the crash, the pilot fled the scene, making it impossible to determine the pilot's identity, licensing status, or whether any injuries were sustained during the impact.
Upon inspecting the wreckage, authorities discovered approximately 383.5 kg of narcotics distributed throughout the cockpit and the aircraft's hopper. Due to the presence of illegal substances and the gravity of the criminal activity, local military police reported that they could not guarantee the safety of the site during the initial response.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by SERIPA V was ultimately interrupted. Under Brazilian aeronautical regulations (NSCA 3-13), CENIPA may terminate an investigation if there is evidence of criminal activity or if the occurrence resulted from a violation of aeronautical legislation that precludes the discovery of new safety-related information.
Investigators were unable to verify the aircraft's maintenance logs or contact the owner through formal channels. Furthermore, the investigation could not assess the pilot's qualifications due to their flight from the crash site. The aircraft was subsequently transferred to the custody of the Civil Police of the 20th Regional Delegation of Loanda.
Findings
- The aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness had been suspended since December 10, 2016, due to an expired annual maintenance inspection.
- A large quantity of narcotics (383.5 kg) was found inside the aircraft.
- The pilot abandoned the scene, preventing the verification of flight credentials or medical status.