What happened
On February 10, 2023, at approximately 09:45 UTC, an Edra Helicentro Petrel AV, registration PU-LGD, was conducting a ferry flight from Primavera do Leste to Nova Ubiratã, Mato Grosso. About twenty-five minutes into the flight, the aircraft experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot executed an emergency landing in a crop field at Fazenda Luciula, near Campo Verde. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage, both the pilot and the passenger escaped the incident without injury.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed significant regulatory non-compliance and safety lapses. The individual operating the aircraft was not a licensed pilot and held no valid registration within the Brazilian Civil Aviation Information System (SACI). Furthermore, the aircraft, which was registered under the Private Experimental (PET) category, lacked essential documentation, including the Experimental Airworthiness Certificate (CAVE) and the Experimental Brand Certificate (CME). The investigation also noted that parts of the aircraft were being dismantled for removal from the site without authorization from the investigation authorities.
Regarding the mechanical failure, investigators found that the engine had been fueled with a mixture of approximately 62% AVGAS and 38% automotive gasoline, a decision made by the pilot to reduce costs. This mixture deviated from the manufacturer's requirements, which specified the use of AVGAS.
Findings
- The pilot was unlicensed and unauthorized to operate the aircraft.
- The aircraft was operated using an improper fuel mixture consisting of automotive gasoline.
- Essential airworthiness and pilot documentation were unavailable or non-existent.
- The pilot's attitude regarding regulatory compliance and safety procedures contributed to the occurrence.