What happened
On June 14, 2020, an EMB-121A, registration PT-MBV, crashed during a private flight near Tangará da Serra, Mato Grosso. The aircraft had departed from Big Master Aerodrome (SILS) bound for Goiânia (SBNV). Approximately four minutes after takeoff from runway 20, the aircraft struck the ground at a high angle of impact. The collision was followed by a post-impact fire that destroyed the airframe. Both crewmembers on board sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and maintenance records to determine the cause of the loss of control. The investigation noted that the engines were producing power at the moment of impact and that the right-hand engine was found buried beneath the left-hand engine, suggesting the aircraft was in a downward right-hand turn during the collision.
While the aircraft held a valid Airworthiness Verification Certificate, investigators identified discrepancies in the maintenance documentation. Specifically, there was a lack of identifiable records regarding the most recent calibration services for the Angle-of-Attack (CAA) system, which are required by the maintenance manual. Additionally, while the aircraft was undergoing a ferry flight to undergo maintenance for an oil leak and fuel pump issues, investigators could not verify if certain components, such as the servomotor, had been replaced according to their time-between-overhaul (TBO) specifications.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a loss of control in flight.
- The crewmembers held valid medical certificates and flight ratings, though the second crewmember was noted to be in the process of obtaining the specific endorsement for the EMB-121A.
- The engines were developing power at the time of the crash.
- A potential malfunction of the angle-of-attack control system cannot be ruled out, as the necessary calibration records for the system were not found in the aircraft's control documents.