History of the Flight
The aircraft, a Piper PA-42-1000 registered as N313PC, departed from Xanxerê Aerodrome (SSXX) at 17:30 UTC, bound for Jundiaí Aerodrome (SBJD) with only the two-person crew on board. During the descent to SBJD, the crew noticed a stiffening of the left engine power lever movement, which became blocked between 40% and 50% of maximum power. The crew declared an emergency in coordination with the Jundiaí Aerodrome Control Tower and continued the descent. As the aircraft was about to join the final leg, the power lever resumed normal operation. The crew then proceeded for landing. Upon touchdown, when the engine reversers were activated, the aircraft made an abrupt yaw to the right and exited the runway.
Injuries and Damage
Both the pilot and the copilot were uninjured. There were no passengers or third parties on board. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. No other damage was reported.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft, serial number 425527044, was manufactured by Piper in 1995. Its airworthiness certificate was valid, and the airframe, engine, and propeller logbook records were up-to-date. The last inspection, an Annual Maintenance Inspection, was performed on 15 October 2009 by Cheyenne Air Service. After that inspection, the aircraft flew 88 hours. The engines had a total of 4,354 hours since new and were 150 hours short of the next overhaul.
Crew Information
The pilot held a Private Pilot Technical Qualification Certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 13 November 2009, in accordance with 14 CFR Part 91. He also possessed a Commercial Pilot license with valid AMEL qualification and IFR rating. His total flight experience was 4,850 hours, with 84:50 hours in the accident aircraft type. The copilot also held a valid Technical Qualification Certificate issued by the FAA on 13 November 2009, and a Commercial Pilot license with valid AMEL qualification and IFR rating. He had 2,350:50 total flight hours, with 84:50 hours in type. Both pilots had valid Aeronautical Medical Certificates.
Meteorological and Other Information
The prevailing weather conditions at the time of the accident were not specified in the investigation report. No aids to navigation, communications, or flight recorder data were detailed. The accident occurred at Jundiaí Aerodrome (SBJD), located in Jundiaí, State of São Paulo, Brazil.