What happened
On June 4, 2021, at approximately 20:15 UTC, a GESPI 2001 gyrocopter, registration PT-ZKF, was performing a local flight departing from General Leite de Castro Aerodrome (SWLC) in Rio Verde, Goiás. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and one passenger. During the flight, the aircraft struck a tree, which led to a secondary collision with a water tank structure and an electrical power line. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft and resulted in two fatalities.
Evidence from the wreckage and debris pattern suggested that the pilot intended to land in an area near the accident site and was flying at a low airspeed during the approach phase when the collision occurred.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the person operating the aircraft was the owner and did not possess a valid pilot's license, specific gyrocopter rating, or a valid Aeronautical Medical Certificate (CMA). Furthermore, the operator was not registered in the Brazilian Civil Aviation Integrated Information System (SACI).
While the aircraft's airworthiness status was listed as normal in the ANAC database, investigators could not verify the maintenance history or weight and balance of the aircraft because the required documentation, including the Airworthiness Verification Certificate (CVA) and the Experimental Flight Authorization Certificate (CAVE), was not on board and was not provided to the commission. Meteorological reports from the time of the accident indicated favorable conditions for visual flight, with visibility exceeding 10 km and no significant weather phenomena.
Findings
- The pilot was unlicensed and unqualified to operate the gyrocopter.
- The pilot lacked a valid medical certificate.
- Required aircraft documentation was missing from the aircraft.
- The pilot's attitude and lack of adherence to operational procedures contributed to the accident.