What happened
On June 25, 2017, a Piper PA-23-250, registration PT-IIJ, departed from an unidentified location in Bolivia. The aircraft entered Brazilian airspace without a filed flight plan while transporting a passenger and approximately 600kg of cocaine.
Upon detecting the unauthorized entry, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) dispatched a fighter aircraft to intercept the Piper. During the interception, the fighter pilot issued orders for the aircraft to land; however, the pilot of the PT-IIJ failed to comply with the instructions, even after a warning shot was fired. Consequently, the aircraft performed a forced landing in a rural area near Jussara, Goiás. Following the landing, the crew and the passenger abandoned the aircraft and the illegal cargo. The pilot was subsequently arrested by the Federal Police.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the aircraft sustained substantial damage to its fuselage, landing gear, and tail cone. While the pilot held valid medical and multi-engine land (MLTE) certifications, and the aircraft possessed a valid airworthiness certificate, the investigation focused on the illegal nature of the flight operation.
Due to the discovery of intentional criminal activity—specifically the transport of narcotics—the investigation was interrupted. Under Brazilian aeronautical regulations (NSCA 3-13), CENIPA may cease investigations when evidence of a crime is found that would not yield new information for aeronautical accident prevention.