Piper PA-31 Forced Landing in Rio Arapiuns (PTWOT)

Incident Overview On 6 February 2020 at 20:50 UTC, a Piper Aircraft PA-31, registration PT-WOT, made a forced landing in the Rio Arapiuns near the São Miguel community in Santarém, Pará, Brazil. The aircraft was operating a private ferry flight from Aeródromo Maestro Wilson Fonseca (SBSN) in Santarém to Aeródromo Eduardo Gomes (SBEG) in Manaus, Amazonas. ## Flight Details The aircraft departed SBSN at 19:44 UTC with one pilot and three passengers aboard. While level at flight level 100 and approximately 60 nautical miles from SBSN, the pilot reported a loss of power in the left engine and declared an emergency at 20:50 UTC. The pilot attempted to return to SBSN but was unable to do so, resulting in a forced landing in the river about 23 nautical miles from the departure aerodrome. ## Aircraft and Maintenance The PA-31, serial number 31.7912021, was manufactured in 1979 and registered in the Private Air Services (TPP) category. Its airworthiness certificate was valid until 14 March 2022, and its annual maintenance inspection was valid until 12 April 2020. Maintenance records indicated the aircraft had 19,024 hours and 35 minutes of flight time as of 23 January 2020. The left Lycoming TIO-540-A2C engine had 10,298 hours and 30 minutes as of 23 December 2019. The aircraft was within weight and balance limits. ## Investigation Findings The pilot held a valid commercial pilot license with multi-engine and instrument ratings, as well as a valid medical certificate. Weather conditions were suitable for the flight. The investigation authority learned of the incident through social media four hours after the accident. The owner did not comply with requests to remove the aircraft from the water or provide left engine documentation. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The pilot sustained minor injuries, and the three passengers were unharmed. Contributing factors were undetermined.