What happened
On March 23, 2022, at approximately 14:00 UTC, an Embraer EMB-810C (registration PT-EZD) was performing a private ferry flight from Balsas (SNBS), Maranhão, to Goiânia, Goiás. The flight had included an intermediate refueling stop in Balsas.
Shortly after takeoff from the Balsas aerodrome, the aircraft's left engine experienced a failure. The pilot attempted to maneuver the aircraft, but the plane lost altitude and collided with the ground. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. Both the pilot and one passenger sustained light injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the left engine, a Teledyne Continental Motors TSIO-3/60-EB, and its components. While the engine structure appeared intact without fluid leaks, the investigation focused on the ignition system. Testing revealed that the right magneto of the left engine had a ruptured drive plate, and both magnetos showed significant internal deterioration. Specifically, the right magneto exhibited excessive wear on the breaker points, corrosion, and a deteriorated cam follower felt. The left magneto also failed functional bench tests and lacked an identification plate.
Investigators also reviewed maintenance records and found that the aircraft's logbooks for the airframe, engine, and propellers were outdated. Discrepancies were found between the physical state of the magnetos and the recorded maintenance history. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the aircraft's flight logbook was missing, which prevented the verification of total flight hours and mandatory inspection compliance.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine failure was the poor condition of the left engine's magnetos, which prevented regular operation.
- Maintenance of the aircraft was a contributing factor, as the physical condition of the ignition components was inconsistent with the documented maintenance history.
- The pilot's actions during the emergency, including flight control inputs and judgment regarding operational parameters, contributed to the loss of control.
- Inaccurate maintenance entries and outdated logbooks hindered the traceability of critical components.