What happened
On April 27, 2023, at approximately 19:20 UTC, a Beechcraft 35 (registration PP-DJG) crashed while attempting to land at the CAVU Aerodrome in Raposa, Maranhão. The aircraft was performing a local flight for a functional equipment check with three occupants on board. During the final approach to runway 09, the aircraft appeared to lose power and collided with the ground near the runway threshold. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. The pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries, while a third occupant left the scene before they could be identified.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed a series of severe regulatory and maintenance violations. The person operating the aircraft did not possess a pilot license, aircraft rating, or a valid medical certificate. While a passenger on board held a private pilot license for single-engine land aircraft, they were not acting as the pilot in command.
Regarding the aircraft's airworthiness, investigators found that the Certificate of Airworthiness was suspended and the Airworthiness Verification Certificate had expired in January 2023. Furthermore, the investigation uncovered that the aircraft's original Continental engine had been replaced with an unapproved six-cylinder engine modified to run on ethanol. This engine lacked an identification plate, making its manufacturer and model impossible to verify. Maintenance was reportedly being performed by individuals not certified as aircraft mechanics. Additionally, critical documentation, including the aircraft logbook and weight and balance data, were unavailable for review.
Findings
- The aircraft was being operated in an unairworthy condition.
- The installation of an unapproved engine was a primary factor in the aircraft's mechanical state.
- The pilot was not legally qualified or licensed to operate the aircraft.
- Maintenance was performed by unauthorized personnel using unapproved components.
- The aircraft's airworthiness certificates were expired or suspended.