Pilot error leads to forced landing of Piper PA-34-200 in Mato Grosso

Casualties unknown • CAMPO NOVO DO PARECIS, MT, BR

A pilot's mistaken belief that an engine had failed led to the shutdown of the functional engine, resulting in a forced landing in a millet field.

What happened

On July 8, 2017, a Piper PA-34-200, registration PP-IVG, departed from Aeródromo Aerocampo in Campo Novo do Parecis, Mato Grosso, bound for Campo Verde. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced a landing gear retraction failure. After an unsuccessful attempt to cycle the gear, the pilot elected to continue the flight to the destination with the gear extended and locked.

While maneuvering to approach the destination at approximately 1,0-00 feet, the aircraft developed a strong tendency to yaw to the right. Believing the right engine had lost power, the pilot shut down the left engine in an attempt to maintain directional control. This action resulted in a forced landing in a millet field, where the aircraft struck a contour line. Despite substantial damage to the aircraft, the pilot and the passenger were uninjured.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's engines and systems to determine the cause of the yaw. Technical analysis of the right engine by the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DCTA) confirmed that the engine, propeller components, and oil pressure gauges were all functioning normally.

Regarding the landing gear, the investigation revealed that the hydraulic power pack had been previously repaired and had been exhibiting intermittent functionality since its reinstallation. However, investigators concluded that the gear failure did not directly contribute to the loss of control.

Due to the severe destruction of the right wing, the investigation could not perform specific tests on the autopilot components. However, the investigators noted that the aircraft continued to exhibit a yawing tendency until the moment of impact, with the aileron and rudder controls remaining at maximum deflection to the left.

Findings

  • The pilot's incorrect judgment regarding the cause of the aircraft's yaw led to the shutdown of the operational engine.
  • The pilot misidentified a directional control issue as an engine failure.
  • The aircraft's hydraulic power pack had a history of intermittent failure, preventing landing gear retraction.
  • The most probable cause of the sudden yaw was an inadvertent activation of an autopilot servo, though the damage to the wing prevented definitive testing of the autopilot system.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's erroneous judgment in shutting down the functional left engine after misidentifying a directional control disturbance as a right engine failure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2017-07-08 aircraft accident near CAMPO NOVO DO PARECIS, MT, BR?

A pilot's mistaken belief that an engine had failed led to the shutdown of the functional engine, resulting in a forced landing in a millet field.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2017-07-08 involved a aircraft, registration PPIVG, at CAMPO NOVO DO PARECIS, MT, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's erroneous judgment in shutting down the functional left engine after misidentifying a directional control disturbance as a right engine failure.

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