What happened
On January 23, 2018, at approximately 21:00 UTC, a Cessna 182P, registration PT-IYH, was performing a private flight in the region of Itaituba, Pará. The flight originated from an unregistered landing strip in the Crepurizão community, heading toward the Mundico Coelho Aerodrome (SNMD).
Upon landing at SNMD on runway 15/33, the pilot attempted to execute a second takeoff during the landing roll. While taxiing near the aerodrome facilities, the pilot applied power to accelerate; however, there was insufficient runway length to complete the maneuver. The aircraft subsequently struck a fence, descended a steep embankment, and came to rest in a wooded area. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but the pilot remained uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation by SERIPA I was significantly hindered by a lack of cooperation from the involved parties. The operator failed to notify the authorities of the accident, and investigators only learned of the event through an anonymous tip 24 hours later. Furthermore, the pilot did not respond to investigators, and the aircraft was moved to an unknown location without authorization from the investigation authority.
Records from the Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) indicated that while the aircraft's airworthiness certificate and annual maintenance inspection were valid at the time of the accident, the pilot's credentials were not. Specifically, the pilot's medical certificate and aircraft ratings (single-engine and multi-engine land) had been expired since 2015.
Findings
- The takeoff attempt occurred on an area not officially recognized as part of the aerodrome runway.
- The pilot's decision-making process and piloting judgment contributed to the accident.
- The use of an unregistered landing strip reduced operational safety margins.
- The pilot's flight discipline was a contributing factor to the occurrence.