What happened
On May 17, 2020, at approximately 18:30 UTC, a Fênix FEN-U-201 experimental aircraft, registered as PU-ACR, crashed near Macatuba, São Paulo. The flight originated from an unregistered location, a gas station in Lençóis Paulista, with a destination of Pederne．neiras. The aircraft was performing a low-altitude flight with two occupants on board.
During the flight, the aircraft struck the ground and was immediately consumed by a post-impact fire, which left the airframe destroyed. The pilot sustained serious injuries, while the passenger succumbed to their injuries the following day.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the individual operating the aircraft did not possess a valid pilot's license or the required aerodesport certificate (CPA) as mandated by Brazilian Civil Aviation Regulations (RBAC 61). Furthermore, the operator lacked the necessary qualifications and flight experience for the operation.
The investigation also revealed significant maintenance and documentation failures. The operator did not maintain required maintenance and inspection records, flight manuals, or engine and airframe logbooks, which are mandatory for amateur-built aircraft under ANAC regulations. The aircraft took off from an unauthorized, unregistered site, contributing to an unsafe operational environment.
Findings
- The pilot was unlicensed and unqualified to operate the aircraft.
- The aircraft was an amateur-built experimental model.
- Critical maintenance documentation, including airframe and engine logs, was missing.
- The flight departed from an unregistered location.
- The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and one fatality.