Cessna 182N Forced Landing in Santa Isabel, Goiás (PTDYG)

Incident Overview and Flight History On 10 April 2019, a Cessna Aircraft 182N with registration PT-DYG departed Aeródromo Brigadeiro Lysias Rodrigues (SBPJ) in Palmas, Tocantins, at approximately 09:45 UTC. The flight was a private ferry operation to Aeródromo Nacional de Aviação (SBNV) in Goiânia, Goiás, for an annual maintenance inspection. The aircraft was operated by a single pilot and was in a private operation. During the initial descent toward the destination, the engine failed. The pilot attempted an in-flight restart following the Quick Reference Handbook procedures. The engine relit briefly but failed again after a few seconds. A second restart attempt was unsuccessful, leading the pilot to execute an emergency landing in a watermelon plantation near Santa Isabel, Goiás. The aircraft traveled approximately 75 meters from initial impact to a complete stop, with the auxiliary landing gear breaking near the final 30 meters. The pilot exited the aircraft uninjured, and the airframe sustained substantial damage. ## Investigation Findings and Probable Cause The pilot held a valid Commercial Pilot License (PCM) with a valid single-engine land rating and a valid medical certificate. The aircraft had a valid airworthiness certificate, was within weight and balance limits, and had current maintenance records. Fuel samples from both wing tanks met ANP Resolution 5/2009 specifications, and the engine and fuel system showed no mechanical anomalies. Meteorological data from the INMET automatic station in Itapaci, Goiás, 35 nautical miles south of the accident site, recorded at 12:00 UTC indicated an air temperature of 24.9°C, a dew point of 21.2°C, and 80% relative humidity. These conditions were conducive to severe carburetor icing at reduced power settings. The aircraft's Pilot's Operation Handbook specified using carburetor heat as required during descent to prevent icing. However, the carburetor heat lever was found in the OFF position after the accident. The investigation concluded that the engine failure resulted from restricted fuel flow to the engine due to carburetor icing. Contributing factors included adverse meteorological conditions and an indeterminate decision-making process. No safety recommendations were issued.