What happened
On March 28, 2018, a Piper PA-3-301FT, registration PP-PSO, was performing a repositioning flight from Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, to Fazenda Rio Negro. The flight was operated by a private pilot. During the landing phase, the aircraft experienced an abnormal contact with the runway, resulting in the failure of the right main landing gear and the auxiliary gear. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, though the pilot remained uninjured.
Following the incident, the pilot and the aircraft owner reached an agreement to not report the occurrence to the Brazilian aeronautical investigation authority (SIPAER). The investigation only became known to authorities through information provided by the Civil Police. Furthermore, the aircraft was recovered from the site without the knowledge or authorization of CENIPA or the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC).
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed that the aircraft had been used for an unauthorized, clandestine charter flight to transport passengers to Aquidauana prior to the accident. The pilot held a valid Private Pilot License and medical certificate, but was not qualified to perform remunerated or chartered operations.
Investigators also uncovered irregularities regarding aircraft maintenance. An assistant mechanic stated that the engine, propeller, and right main landing gear had been replaced, but he was unaware of the origin of these components. He further admitted that he was not a qualified mechanic and that the work performed was outside his legal competency. Due to the nature of the illegal operations and the lack of further preventive utility, the investigation was officially interrupted.
Findings
- The pilot was conducting an unauthorized commercial/charter operation despite holding only a private pilot license.
- The aircraft was recovered from the accident site without notifying the proper aeronautical authorities.
- Maintenance work, including the replacement of the engine, propeller, and landing gear, was performed by unqualified personnel.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage due to the landing gear failure during touchdown.