What happened
On March 13, 2017, at approximately 17:30 UTC, a Neiva EMB-202 agricultural aircraft, registration PT-UOY, departed from the Piraguassu Farm Aerodrome in Porto Alegre do Norte, Mato Grosso, for a seed application mission. During the flight toward the destination, the aircraft experienced a loss of engine power.
The pilot was forced to perform an emergency landing in a marshy area within the municipality of Porto and Alegre do Norte. Upon the initial impact, the aircraft slid approximately 30 meters, causing the right main landing gear to break before the aircraft collided laterally with a tree. The pilot sustained no injuries, but the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the mechanical and operational status of the aircraft. Investigators examined the engine, fuel samples, and weight and balance records. Analysis of the fuel revealed that the engine was operating on ethanol.
While the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid, the investigation found that the aircraft was operating outside of its approved type specifications. Specifically, there was no documentation to prove that the required conversion process from gasoline to ethanol had been legally completed according to approved service bulletins or supplementary type certificates. Furthermore, the aircraft was found to be significantly overweight, exceeding its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) by approximately 240kg.
Due to the discovery of intentional unlawful acts related to the causality of the accident, CENIPA decided to interrupt the investigation.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating beyond its maximum takeoff weight limits.
- The aircraft was using ethanol fuel without documented proof of a legal engine/fuel system conversion.
- The engine experienced a loss of power during flight.
- The aircraft was operating in a manner that did not comply with the approved type design and safety regulations.