What happened
On May 18, 2021, a Piper PA-25-235, registration PR-ABN, was conducting a local crop-dusting operation near Leme, São Paulo. The aircraft took off from Yolanda Penteado Aerodrome (SDLL) to perform pesticide spraying in a nearby sugarcane plantation. After completing several turns to prepare for the application, the aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 100 feet when the pilot experienced a sudden loss of engine power. The pilot observed the propeller come to a complete stop.
Given the low altitude, the pilot performed an emergency landing in a sugarcane plantation. Although the landing itself was executed at low speed with the wings level, the aircraft subsequently caught fire. The intensity of the fire resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, managed to abandon the aircraft before the flames reached the cabin and escaped without injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and the operational circumstances of the flight. The investigation included an analysis of the fuel, the engine components, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the occurrence. Investigators also reviewed the pilot's credentials and the aircraft's maintenance records.
While the investigation confirmed that the pilot was properly rated and qualified for the operation, and that the aircraft was within weight and balance limits, significant challenges arose regarding the technical analysis. The investigation team was unable to verify the completeness of the maintenance history because the provided logbooks were incomplete. Furthermore, the fire that consumed the aircraft caused extensive damage to the ignition and fuel supply systems, preventing a definitive examination of these components.
Regarding the engine failure, investigators ruled out carburetor icing as a cause, noting that the pilot was using high power settings at the time of the failure, which reduces the probability of icing. A sample of the ethanol fuel showed no signs of contamination. Ultimately, the investigation could not pinpoint the specific mechanical trigger for the power loss.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained an engine failure in flight shortly before the application phase.
- The engine failure led to an emergency landing in a plantation area.
- The aircraft was destroyed by fire following the impact.
- The pilot was uninjured.
- Maintenance records for the airframe, engine, and propeller were only partially available for review.
- The engine failure cause remains undetermined due to the destruction of critical components by fire and incomplete maintenance documentation.