What happened
On January 23, 2013, a Cessna 180G, registration PT-CCE, was operating a private flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in the region of Pontes e Lacerda, Mato Grosso. The flight departed from an uncertified runway located at Fazenda Excalibur, heading toward the União do Vale aerodrome.
Approximately 50 minutes into the flight, the aircraft experienced an engine failure. In response to the loss of power, the pilot performed a forced landing into a wooded area at Sítio do Tonhão. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and caused serious injuries to both the pilot and the passenger.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by SERIPA VI focused on the circumstances leading to the engine failure and the airworthiness of the aircraft. Investigators determined that the aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness (CA) had been canceled since December 15, 2009, because the required annual maintenance inspection had not been performed. Due to this lack of valid certification, the investigators found it unnecessary to further evaluate the specific mechanical condition of the engine at the time of the failure.
Furthermore, the investigation examined the pilot's credentials and found that the pilot's Medical Certificate (CMA) had been expired since August 20, 2005, and the pilot's single-engine land (MNTE) rating had been expired since October 2004.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating with a canceled Certificate of Airworthiness due to lapsed annual maintenance.
- The pilot was operating with an expired medical certificate and an expired technical rating.
- The engine failure occurred 50 minutes after takeoff, necessitating the forced landing.