What happened
On November 1, 2008, an EMB 711C, registration PT-NLC, operated by Ortiz Táxi-Aéreo Ltda., was performing a flight from Envira, AM, to Rio Branco, AC. During the approach, the pilot encountered unstable weather and had previously diverted to Manuel Urbano, AC, due to heavy rain formations. Upon reaching the Rio Branco terminal area, the pilot requested a landing under special VFR conditions, despite the airport operating under IFR conditions.
While executing the traffic pattern for runway 24 at approximately 1,200 feet, the engine failed. The pilot attempted to restart the engine by switching the fuel selector to the right tank, but the attempt was unsuccessful. The pilot declared an emergency and prepared for a forced landing on a dirt road approximately 5 NM from the aerodrome. During the final approach, the aircraft struck a rural electrification wire and the left wing collided with a tree, causing the wing to detach before the aircraft impacted the ground. The four occupants (one pilot and three passengers) sustained light injuries, while the aircraft suffered severe damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators determined that the engine failure was caused by fuel starvation. The investigation revealed that the left fuel tank was empty at the time of the failure, while sufficient fuel remained in the right tank. The pilot admitted to forgetting to perform the periodic fuel checks and tank switching required for this aircraft type, which lacks an automatic fuel feed system. Although the pilot followed the emergency procedures outlined in the aircraft's operating manual, the low altitude and the time required to clear air from the fuel lines prevented a successful engine restart.
Findings
- Failure to perform periodic fuel checks: The pilot neglected to manually switch fuel tanks during the flight, leading to the depletion of the left tank.
- Inadequate flight planning: The flight was planned for VFR conditions, but the actual meteorological conditions on the route and at the destination were unsuitable for VFR.
- Adverse weather conditions: The pilot encountered significant weather deviations and heavy rain, which likely contributed to the oversight of fuel management procedures.
Safety action
CENIPA issued safety recommendations to Ortiz Táxi-Aéreo Ltda. to implement a periodic training program for normal and emergency procedures for all pilots. Additionally, a recommendation was made to ANAC to improve the dissemination of lessons learned from this investigation to air taxi operators, highlighting the risks of deviating from standard operating procedures.