What happened
On April 18, 2016, at approximately 14:30 UTC, the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) of a Cessna 210, registered as CP2615, was activated. The signal was received by SALVAERO-Curitiba and identified as originating from a Bolivian-registered aircraft. A search and rescue aircraft, SAR 2811, located the downed plane near the border with Paraguay, specifically at Fazenda Baía Grande in Porto Murtinho, Mato Grosso do Sul.
Upon arrival at the site, local police authorities, alerted by nearby residents, inspected the wreckage. The investigation revealed that the aircraft was carrying illegal cargo, including cocaine base, cocaine, firearms, and ammunition. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the occurrence. At the time of the discovery, the occupants of the aircraft could not be located or identified.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators determined that the operation was being conducted in violation of existing aeronautical legislation. Because the incident involved clear evidence of intentional illegal acts, the investigation was formally interrupted. Under Brazilian aeronautical regulations (NSCA 3-13), the investigative authority may cease an investigation if it is determined that the occurrence resulted from a criminal act and that continuing the probe would not yield new information for the prevention of future aeronautical accidents.
Findings
- The aircraft was involved in an unlawful operation involving the transport of narcotics and weaponry.
- The presence of criminal activity rendered further technical safety analysis for the purpose of accident prevention unfeasible, as the primary cause was rooted in intentional illegality rather than technical or operational safety failures.