What happened
On February 14, 2023, at approximately 11:50 UTC, a Cessna A188 performing agricultural spraying operations experienced a sudden loss of engine power. The aircraft, registration PR-LKA, was operating over a farm in Quirinópolis, Goiás, when the pilot was forced to perform an emergency landing in a plantation. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, though the pilot emerged from the incident uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the Continental IO-550-D engine, which had been converted to operate on hydrated ethanol. While several components showed signs of wear—including worn spark plug electrodes and minor scoring on the crankshaft and main bearings—these were not deemed capable of causing the power loss. However, the investigation focused on the mechanical fuel pump, which exhibited significant leakage during functional testing.
Inspectors found internal corrosion, erosion, and debris within the fuel pump. Because the engine was modified to use ethanol, which contains a percentage of water, investigators concluded that this moisture likely triggered corrosive processes in components not originally designed for such fuel. This corrosion compromised the pump's ability to maintain pressure and suction, leading to an inadequate fuel flow to the engine.
Additionally, the investigation reviewed the pilot's credentials and the operator's management. It was established that the pilot was flying with an expired medical certificate and a suspended single-engine land rating, although the pilot maintained a valid agricultural rating. The investigation also noted that the operator's management failed to ensure all legal requirements for pilot qualification were met.
Findings
- The mechanical fuel pump failure caused by internal corrosion and erosion, likely accelerated by the use of ethanol-based fuel, prevented the engine from delivering sufficient power.
- Inadequate management oversight allowed the aircraft to be operated by a pilot with an expired medical certificate and an invalid rating.
- The operator demonstrated insufficient administrative and operational supervision regarding human resource allocation.