Engine Failure Leads to Forced Landing of Neiva EMB-2022 in Mato Grosso

Casualties unknown • CAMPO NOVO DO PARECIS, MT, BR

A Neiva EMB-202, registration PT-UOM, experienced a loss of power and subsequent engine failure, resulting in a forced landing in a forested area in Brazil.

What happened

On February 19, 2021, at approximately 18:30 UTC, a Neiva EMB-202 aircraft, registration PT-UOM, was performing a ferry flight from Aeródromo Fazenda Cima (SJZN) to Aeródromo da Fazenda Pindorama (SJVN) in Mato Grosso, Brazil. About twenty-five minutes into the flight, the aircraft experienced a loss of power followed by a complete engine failure. The pilot was forced to perform an emergency landing in a wooded area within the TIRECATINGA Indigenous Reserve near Campo Novo do Parecis. The pilot escaped the crash uninjured, and the aircraft sustained light damage.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators examined the Lycoming IO 540-K1J5 engine and the aircraft's maintenance records. The pilot was found to be fully qualified with valid medical and aeronautical certifications, and the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was in order. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were above the minimums and were not a contributing factor.

During the engine inspection, investigators noted that several components, including the spark plugs, magneto, and fuel pump, were removed prior to the formal analysis, which hindered the ability to correlate specific discrepancies with the failure. While the spark plugs were found to be contaminated with grease, the magneto and fuel distribution systems were functioning normally. The investigation focused on the internal mechanical state of the engine block and crankshaft.

Findings

  • The investigation identified that the connecting rods for cylinders 3 and 6 had detached from their respective crankpins.
  • This detachment caused the corresponding crankpin to collide with the rods, resulting in significant damage to the cylinders and pistons.
  • The engine crankcase contained a large amount of metal shavings and various internal fragments, including broken nuts and bolts.
  • The primary cause of the engine failure was the rupture of a bolt that secured the crankshaft, which subsequently caused an overload and failure of a second bolt.
  • The exact reason for the initial bolt failure remains undetermined.

Probable cause

The engine failure was caused by the structural failure of a crankshaft bolt due to overload, which led to the detachment of connecting rods and catastrophic internal engine damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2021-02-19 aircraft accident near CAMPO NOVO DO PARECIS, MT, BR?

A Neiva EMB-202, registration PT-UOM, experienced a loss of power and subsequent engine failure, resulting in a forced landing in a forested area in Brazil.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2021-02-19 involved a aircraft, registration PTUOM, at CAMPO NOVO DO PARECIS, MT, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was caused by the structural failure of a crankshaft bolt due to overload, which led to the detachment of connecting rods and catastrophic internal engine damage.

Loading the flight search…