What happened
On March 9, 2019, a Cessna 152, registration PR-CTU, was performing local touch-and-go maneuvers at the Catuleve Aerodrome in Aquiraz, Ceará. The flight, operated by the Associação Ícaro de Aviadores do Catu, proceeded normally through three landings and go-arounds. However, during the climb following the fourth go-around, the aircraft experienced a momentary loss of power at approximately 300 to 500 feet.
As the aircraft climbed to roughly 700 feet, a second, more significant loss of power occurred, accompanied by intense instrument panel vibrations and a drop in engine RPM. The pilot attempted to find a suitable landing site and performed a forced landing in a heavily wooded area approximately 2,000 meters from the runway. Upon impact with the ground and a collision with the tree canopy, the aircraft caught fire. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the engine components, maintenance logs, and the pilot's emergency procedures. While the engine's internal components (pistons, cylinders, and crankshaft) showed no signs of damage that would cause flight failure, investigators identified a broken tooth on the Gear Assembly Crankshaft Idler. Although initially suspected to be the cause of the power loss, laboratory analysis revealed the breakage occurred due to overload caused by debris from the magneto, which melted during the post-impact fire.
The investigation also scrutinized the aircraft's maintenance history. It was discovered that there were no records of the required 50-hour and 100-hour engine inspections. Furthermore, the 400-hour inspection performed in late 2018 had been extended by over 23 hours, violating maintenance protocols. Additionally, the pilot failed to follow the aircraft's emergency manual, which mandates shutting off the fuel and ignition before touchdown to mitigate fire risks.
Findings
- The engine experienced a loss of power during the climb phase of a go-around.
- Incomplete maintenance records existed for the 50-hour and 100-hour engine inspections, preventing traceability of previous work.
- The pilot did not execute the prescribed emergency shutdown procedures (fuel and ignition cut-off) prior to impact, which contributed to the intensity of the post-crash fire.
- Maintenance of the engine was not being adequately monitored due to the lack of documented periodic inspections.