Fatal Aircraft Overturn During Landing at Unregistered Mining Airstrip

Casualties unknown • ITAITUBA, PA, BR

A Cessna 182P crashed during a cargo flight in Pará, Brazil, after the aircraft flipped forward on a muddy, unregistered airstrip, resulting in the pilot's death.

What happened

On June 15, 2022, a Cessna 182P, registration PT-JUM, was performing a cargo transport flight from Carolina Aerodrome (SJ27) to the Estrela do Norte mining site in Itaituba, Par/Brazil. The aircraft was carrying approximately 150 kg of food supplies, including meat.

During the landing roll on an unregistered airstrip, the aircraft encountered a pothole or a muddy section of the runway. This caused the aircraft to nose over and eventually flip onto its back. The impact caused substantial damage to the nose landing gear and the propeller tips. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the unsecured cargo was found shifted forward, resting on top of the pilot inside the cockpit.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators examined the site and the aircraft's operational history. The investigation found that the destination airstrip had been recently reactivated after a period of abandonment and had undergone some maintenance, such as tree removal. However, heavy rainfall in the preceding days had left the surface muddy and riddled with potholes.

Investigators were unable to verify the aircraft's exact airworthiness or weight and balance status because the owner/operator failed to provide the airframe, engine, and propeller logbooks. Additionally, discrepancies were noted regarding the aircraft's registered owner versus the individual identified in the police report. While the pilot held valid commercial and medical certificates, their digital flight logbook was out of date, making it impossible to confirm recent flight experience or qualification for this specific mission.

Findings

  • The aircraft landed on an unregistered airstrip that was not in compliance with Brazilian Civil Aviation Regulation (RBAC-91).
  • The runway surface was in degraded condition, characterized by mud and potholes.
  • The cargo, consisting of 150 kg of meat, was not properly secured, contributing to the hazard within the cockpit during the overturn.
  • The use of an unregistered, poorly maintained airstrip created a risk level exceeding acceptable safety minimums.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the use of an unregistered and degraded airstrip, where the presence of mud and potholes led to an abnormal runway contact and subsequent aircraft overturn.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2022-06-15 aircraft accident near ITAITUBA, PA, BR?

A Cessna 182P crashed during a cargo flight in Pará, Brazil, after the aircraft flipped forward on a muddy, unregistered airstrip, resulting in the pilot's death.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2022-06-15 involved a aircraft, registration PTJUM, at ITAITUBA, PA, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the use of an unregistered and degraded airstrip, where the presence of mud and potholes led to an abnormal runway contact and subsequent aircraft overturn.

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