What happened
On April 25, 2013, a Cessna 182G, registration PT-CDI, departed from Paranaíba, Mato Grosso do Sul, en route to Coxim, Mato Grosso do Sul. The flight was being conducted as a private transport operation with one pilot and two passengers on board. The weather conditions along the route and at the destination were within Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC).
During the cruise phase of the flight, the aircraft suffered a total loss of engine power. The aircraft failed to reach its destination and subsequently came to rest in a pasture area approximately 150 meters from the threshold of an unregistered runway in the municipality of Figueirão. The impact caused damage to the propeller, the lower engine cowling, the landing gear (specifically the nose gear, which was severed), and the tip of the right wing.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the engine and the pilot's credentials. Investigators examined the propeller blades and found that the blade locks had broken. When the blades were returned to their normal operating position, the deformation at the blade tips indicated that the engine was producing high power at the moment of impact, as one blade tip was oriented forward and the other backward.
Additionally, the investigation reviewed the pilot's documentation. While the pilot held a valid medical certificate and the aircraft possessed a valid airworthiness certificate, it was determined that the pilot's Single-Engine Land (MNTE) rating had been expired since July 2005. Furthermore, the aircraft's logbooks and flight logs were found to be out of date.
Findings
- The engine experienced a total loss of power during cruise flight.
- The propeller blade locks were broken, and the deformation of the blades indicated the engine was generating power at the time of impact.
- The pilot was operating with an expired technical rating (CHT).
- Aircraft maintenance records and flight logs were not up to date.
- The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the two passengers were uninjured.