What happened
On March 18, 2019, a Paradise P1 LSA, registration PU-ENU, was performing a private flight from São Joaquim da Barra, SP, to Jataí, GO. During the flight, the aircraft experienced an abnormal engine noise, which was accompanied by a significant drop in RPM and power. Unable to maintain level flight, the pilot attempted an emergency landing at the Campina Verde Aerodrome (SNCV) in Minas Gerais.
During the approach, the left wing of the aircraft struck a tree located near the threshold of runway 28, after which the aircraft impacted the ground. The pilot sustained minor injuries, but the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators learned of the occurrence through regional police authorities rather than a formal notification from the pilot or the aircraft owner. The investigation revealed that the pilot held a valid medical certificate and the necessary advanced ultralight rating, with sufficient experience for the flight. While the aircraft's annual maintenance inspection report was valid, the lack of mandatory logbooks for the cell, propeller, and engine—due to the aircraft's non-certified status—prevented investigators from verifying the traceability of its components.
Furthermore, the investigation encountered significant interference: the aircraft had been removed from the accident site and partially disassembled on a trailer without authorization from the SIPAER investigation authority. Due to the lack of new elements that could contribute to accident prevention and the fact that the scene had been altered, the investigation was officially interrupted.