Fatal Engine Failure Leads to Forced Landing in Amazon Rainforest

Casualties unknown • JACAREACANGA, PA, BR

A Cessna T182T crashed in a dense forest area near Jacareacanga, Brazil, following an in-flight engine failure, resulting in two fatalities.

What happened

On February 23, 2019, a Cessna T182T, registration PR-ENM, was performing a private flight from Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, to Jacareacanga, Pará. During the flight, the pilot declared a MAYDAY via radio, reporting an engine failure and a descent from 6,500 feet to 3,000 feet. The aircraft was approximately 40 minutes from its destination when the emergency occurred.

Following the loss of radio contact, search and rescue operations were initiated. The aircraft was eventually located by the signals from its Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) in a dense forest area, approximately 60nm from the municipality of Jacareacanga. The aircraft had sustained substantial damage to the engine, propeller, wings, fuselage, and landing gear. The pilot and the passenger both suffered fatal injuries.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators examined the flight history, maintenance records, and meteorological conditions. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was qualified with a valid medical certificate and that the aircraft had a valid airworthiness certificate. Maintenance records showed that a 200-hour inspection had been completed only ten days prior to the accident.

Regarding fuel, records indicated the aircraft had been refueled with 179 liters of AVGAS on the day of the accident, which was sufficient for the planned leg. Furthermore, fuel tests conducted the day before the flight showed no contamination. The investigation noted that the aircraft's wreckage was not removed from the site by the operator, which prevented investigators from performing a detailed examination of the engine and other components to confirm the exact nature of the failure.

Findings

  • The pilot reported an engine failure in flight.
  • The aircraft was within weight and balance limits.
  • Weather conditions were favorable for visual flight.
  • The aircraft's maintenance and airworthiness documentation were up to date.
  • The primary cause of the accident remains undetermined due to the inability to inspect the engine components following the impact.

Probable cause

The most likely hypothesis is an engine failure caused by a malfunction in a powerplant component, though the exact cause could not be verified because the wreckage was not removed for technical analysis.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2019-02-23 aircraft accident near JACAREACANGA, PA, BR?

A Cessna T182T crashed in a dense forest area near Jacareacanga, Brazil, following an in-flight engine failure, resulting in two fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2019-02-23 involved a aircraft, registration PRENM, at JACAREACANGA, PA, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The most likely hypothesis is an engine failure caused by a malfunction in a powerplant component, though the exact cause could not be verified because the wreckage was not removed for technical analysis.

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