What happened
On February 2, 2021, a Cessna 182E, registration PT-BXV, was performing a flight between two unregistered airstrips in the municipality of São Félix do Xingu, Pará. The aircraft departed from an unregistered runway and was attempting to land at another unregistered location. During the final approach for landing, the aircraft struck a tree before impacting the ground. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft and resulted in one fatality.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed a significant lack of regulatory compliance regarding both the crew and the aircraft. The pilot was operating with an expired single-engine land rating (MNTE) that had been invalid since March 2008, and the pilot's medical certificate (CMA) had been expired since July 2015. Furthermore, the aircraft's Airworthiness Certificate (CVA) had been expired since July 2001.
The investigation also noted that the flight was conducted using unregistered airstrips. While meteorological conditions were reported as favorable, investigators found that the pilot had been feeling unwell on the morning of the flight and had self-administered insulin prior to takeoff. Additionally, the investigation team was unable to review the aircraft's logbooks or maintenance records for the airframe, engine, or propeller, and could not determine if the aircraft was within weight and balance limits.