Stolen Beechcraft V35B Crashes After Unauthorized Takeoff in Sertanópolis

Casualties unknown • SERTANÓPOLIS, PR, BR

A Beechcraft V35B was stolen from a hangar and crashed during an unauthorized takeoff attempt at Sertanópolis Aerodrome, resulting in substantial aircraft damage.

What happened

On February 3, 2017, at approximately 07:20 UTC, an unauthorized operation occurred at the Sertanópolis Aerodrome (SSSZ) in Paraná, Brazil. An unidentified group broke into a hangar where a Beechcraft V35B, registration PT-DQC, was parked overnight. After the theft, the aircraft was fueled and moved to the end of the runway at headwind 28, where the engine was started.

During the attempted takeoff, the aircraft experienced a loss of control immediately after rotation. The aircraft subsequently collided with the ground and struck a hangar door. The incident resulted in substantial damage to the engine, propeller, landing gear, and fuselage, as well as damage to third-party property (the hangar door).

The investigation

CENIPA's investigation established that the aircraft was stolen from its hangar prior to the event. The occupants of the aircraft fled the scene immediately following the crash and were not identified, making it impossible to determine the number of people on board or the extent of any injuries.

Investigators verified that the aircraft's Airworthiness Certificate was valid and that the maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were up to date. Due to the criminal nature of the event—specifically the theft and the unauthorized use of the aircraft—the investigation was interrupted, as the occurrence was the result of an intentional illegal act that did not provide new technical information for aeronautical accident prevention.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an unauthorized takeoff following the theft of the aircraft from a hangar.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2017-02-03 aircraft accident near SERTANÓPOLIS, PR, BR?

A Beechcraft V35B was stolen from a hangar and crashed during an unauthorized takeoff attempt at Sertanópolis Aerodrome, resulting in substantial aircraft damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2017-02-03 involved a aircraft, registration PTDQC, at SERTANÓPOLIS, PR, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by an unauthorized takeoff following the theft of the aircraft from a hangar.

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