What happened
On March 2, 2009, a Cessna C-172P, registration PT-OFT, departed from Casa Branca, Brazil, for a scenic flight near Orlândia. The flight, which included the pilot and a passenger, was conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) without a filed flight plan. During the flight, the engine experienced a loss of power. Although the engine did not completely stop, the pilot was unable to restore normal power levels.
In an attempt to manage the emergency, the pilot performed a forced landing into a sugarcane field. Before impact, the pilot successfully executed several emergency procedures, including shutting off the magneto, master switch, and battery, and closing the fuel selector. The aircraft sustained severe damage to the landing gear and minor damage to the fuselage, propeller, and wings. Both the pilot and the passenger were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's engine and carburetor, discovering scratches on the carburetor float and a foreign particle in the main jet, which were identified as the probable cause of the engine failure. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight history, noting significant gaps in flight activity and a lack of regular currency.
Regarding the aircraft's maintenance, investigators found that the mechanic responsible for recent services had expired technical qualifications. Additionally, a previous battery replacement recorded in the logbook lacked the required official authorization and signatures. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was operating without its required checklist on board and without necessary aeronautical charts (WAC) for the intended route.