What happened
On April 16, 2015, at approximately 20:45 UTC, a Neiva 56-C-1 aircraft, registration PP-HRH, was conducting a local instructional flight near Catanduva, Brazil. The flight, operated by Aeroclube Catanduva, carried an instructor and a student pilot. The mission involved maneuvers and landings within the training area.
During the traffic pattern for runway 24, the crew performed a touch-and-go maneuver. As the aircraft climbed following the application of full power, the engine suffered a sudden failure at an estimated altitude of 10 to 15 meters. Due to the low altitude and lack of sufficient energy to return to the runway, the instructor performed an emergency forced landing into the median strip of the SP-310 highway. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but both occupants emerged uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the flight history, crew qualifications, and the aircraft's maintenance records. The investigation confirmed that both pilots held valid medical certificates and appropriate ratings, and the aircraft was airworthy and within weight and balance limits. Technical inspections of the engine, including fuel, lubrication, magnetos, and spark plugs, were conducted. While the engine functioned normally during ground tests, investigators noted that water condensation was observed in the intake manifold during a run-up, which can cause power loss or engine flameout.
An analysis of the aircraft's Flight Manual revealed that the procedures for descent and entering the traffic pattern recommend using carburetor heat as necessary to prevent ice formation. The crew reported that the carburetor heat was not utilized during the operation.
Findings
- The engine failure occurred immediately following the go-around maneuver.
- The crew did not utilize the carburetor heat control during the flight.
- Carburetor icing is identified as a potential contributing factor that could have led to the engine failure.
Safety action
CENIPA issued a recommendation to the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to disseminate the lessons learned from this investigation within the general aviation community, emphasizing the importance of strictly following aircraft operating manual procedures and checklists.