What happened
On March 14, 2015, an agricultural aircraft crashed near kilometer 55 of the MT-1-10 highway in Canarana, Mato Grosso. The aircraft, which was a self-built machine constructed by the pilot using the airframe of a Piper PAWNEE, was being used for the application of agricultural inputs. During the execution of a banking maneuver, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, resulting in a collision with the ground. The impact caused the fatal death of the pilot. Following the accident, the wreckage was removed from the site to an unknown location by unidentified parties.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators established that the aircraft was not registered in the Brazilian Aeronautical Registry (RAB) and lacked both nationality and registration markings. Furthermore, the aircraft lacked essential maintenance documentation, including engine, propeller, and airframe logbooks. The investigation also noted that while the pilot held a valid medical certificate, they did not possess the specific agricultural pilot license (PAGA) required for such operations. Due to the fact that the aircraft was operating in violation of aeronautical legislation and the investigation could not yield new preventive findings, the proceedings were interrupted.
Findings
- The pilot was performing agricultural spraying operations.
- The aircraft was an unregistered, self-built modification of a Piper PAWNEE.
- The pilot lacked the required agricultural pilot rating (PAGA).
- The aircraft lacked all required airworthiness documentation and identification markings.
- Weather conditions were favorable for visual flight operations at the time of the accident.