What happened
On February 10, 2016, at approximately 19:30 UTC, an Embraer EMB-810C, registration PT-EYU, departed from the Manoel Urbano Aerodrome in Acre, Brazil, bound for Santa Rosa do Purus. The aircraft was performing a private passenger transport operation with one pilot and six passengers on board.
Roughly 10 seconds after takeoff, the aircraft experienced a loss of power in the right engine. The pilot attempted an immediate left turn to return to the runway but determined that completing the maneuver was not possible. Consequently, the pilot executed an emergency landing in a nearby farm, located approximately 300 meters from the runway threshold. During the forced landing, the aircraft struck a tree before hitting the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. The accident resulted in one passenger with serious injuries and two passengers with minor injuries, while the remaining three occupants were uninjured.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation examined the mechanical condition of the engine, the quality of the fuel used, and the flight preparation processes. Investigators analyzed the Continental LTSIO360-E CEB engine and found that the left magneto was inoperative due to a greenish discoloration on the breaker points, which caused the power loss. While the component was a PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval) part and was within its service life, its failure was the direct trigger for the engine malfunction.
Furthermore, the investigation looked into the fueling process, noting that the aircraft had been refueled using improvised 100-liter plastic containers, locally known as "corotes." These containers were stored improperly in the open air, exposing the aviation gasoline to sunlight and high temperatures, which can degrade fuel quality. The investigation also noted that the cargo, which included 18-liter paint cans, was not properly secured, and several passengers were not wearing seatbelts, contributing to their injuries during the impact.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine failure was the inoperability of the left magneto.
- Improper flight planning and pilot judgment regarding the use of unverified fuel from unreliable, improperly stored containers.
- Inadequate cargo securing, which allowed items to shift within the cabin during the impact.
- Failure to ensure all passengers were wearing seatbelts, which contributed to the injury levels.
- Organizational deficiencies in the management of aircraft maintenance and flight preparation processes.