What happened
On May 3, 2019, a Neiva EMB-711ST, registration PT-RZN, was performing a flight from an unregistered location near Vila Rica, Mato Grosso, to the Vila Rica Aerodrome (SWVC). The aircraft was carrying a pilot and two passengers.
During the short final approach to SWVC, the pilot noticed that the landing gear position lights were not indicating that the gear was locked down. In response, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure. During this maneuver, the engine failed. The pilot attempted an in-flight engine restart and switched the fuel selector to the left main tank, but the engine remained inoperative. The pilot subsequently executed a forced landing, during which the aircraft touched the runway twice before veering off the paved surface. All three occupants escaped the accident without injury, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's fuel levels and flight history. The investigation established that the aircraft had been flying since April 30, 2019, and had been refueled in Vila Rica with 156 liters of fuel. Based on the total flight time of approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes since the last major refueling, the remaining fuel should have been approximately 152 liters. However, investigators found only 35 liters remaining in the tanks (1 liter in the left tank and 34 liters in the right tank).
Investigators also noted that on May 2, 2019, the aircraft had landed at a farm in the rural area of Vila Rica, where the crew was temporarily prevented from taking off by local workers. During the period when the aircraft was left unattended, the crew was not present to monitor the aircraft. Due to low light, the pilot was unable to verify the remaining fuel levels before the final flight leg.
Findings
- The engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion.
- There was a significant discrepancy between the expected fuel reserves and the actual fuel remaining in the tanks.
- The investigation suggests that fuel may have been removed from the aircraft while it was left unattended at the farm during the previous day.
- The pilot was qualified and held a valid medical certificate, and the aircraft was airworthy and within weight and balance limits.