What happened
On March 18, 2014, a Beechcraft BE58, registration PR-LMN, operated by JOTAN Táxi-Aéreo LTDA, crashed in a forested area near Jacareacanga, Pará, Brazil. The aircraft departed from Itaituba (SBIH) for Jacareacanga (SBEK) carrying the pilot and four passengers.
During the descent, the pilot experienced an engine failure on the left side. At the same time, meteorological conditions at the destination were deteriorating due to heavy rain and thunderstorms, forcing the aircraft into instrument flight conditions (IMC). The pilot contacted another company aircraft to report the engine failure and indicated intentions to hold near the aerodrome. The aircraft was located 36 days after the occurrence, approximately 10NM from the destination. The impact resulted in five fatalities (the pilot and four passengers) and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the mechanical failure and the pilot's management of the emergency. Investigators found that the left engine's magneto impulse coupling spring was broken. Analysis of the wreckage showed that the right engine was still producing power at the moment of impact, which created asymmetrical lift and contributed to the aircraft's loss of control.
The investigation also examined the pilot's decision-making and operational environment. It was noted that the pilot was operating the aircraft without a co-pilot, which was a deviation from established regulations (RBAC 135) for this type of flight. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the company's organizational structure, noting that the owner's accumulation of multiple roles may have impacted managerial oversight.