What happened
On March 14, 2018, a Cessna 152, registration PR-EJO, was operating as the lead aircraft in a four-plane formation flight. The flight was part of a ferry mission traveling from Franca, SP, to Montes Claros, MG. During the leg from Franca to Montes Claros, the flight crew encountered weather conditions that required deviations from the original flight plan and changes in altitude.
Approximately 6 NM south of the Mario Ribeiro Aerodrome (SBMK), the engine suffered a total failure. The pilot attempted to execute an emergency landing in a residential development, but due to the presence of power lines and poles, redirected the aircraft into a nearby wooded area. The aircraft struck the treetops and impacted the ground, coming to rest in an inverted position. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but the pilot and the passenger escaped without injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's fuel system and found no evidence of mechanical failure. Post-crash analysis confirmed that there was no fuel remaining in the tanks or the carburetor. The investigation also reviewed the flight planning and the pilot's performance. While the pilot was highly experienced in total flight hours, he lacked specific experience in long-distance navigation using this particular aircraft model.
It was noted that the PR-EJO was carrying a higher load than the other aircraft in the formation, including a mechanic, tools, and smoke-release equipment. To navigate around weather, the pilot utilized higher engine RPMs (between 2,45 and 2,500 RPM) compared to the rest of the formation. This increased power setting, combined with the extended route caused by weather deviations, led to a fuel consumption rate significantly higher than what was originally planned.
Findings
- Fuel exhaustion was the primary cause of the engine failure.
- The flight plan was compromised by route changes that added over 50 NM to the trip.
- Increased fuel consumption resulted from higher engine RPM settings and altitude changes used to avoid weather.
- The pilot's limited experience with long-range navigation in this specific model impacted the outcome.
- Inadequate flight planning and pilot judgment regarding fuel reserves contributed to the accident.