What happened
On May 9, 2013, a Cessna 210N, registration PT-WDI, was performing a ferry flight from Campo Grande (SBCG) to Estância Santa Maria (SSKG) in Mato Grosso do Sul. The flight was being conducted under visual flight rules (VFR) with an estimated duration of five minutes.
While approaching the destination at approximately 1,000 feet above the ground, the aircraft suffered a complete loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to land on runway 06, but the aircraft performed a heavy landing and collided with the ground in a pasture area roughly 250 meters from the runway. The impact caused significant structural damage to the fuselage, propeller, and engine. The pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
Investigators from SERIPA IV identified that the aircraft had been parked at an airport for ten years due to legal seizure. During the inspection, investigators found widespread corrosion on the fuselage rivets and bolts, as well as dirt accumulation on the control surfaces.
The aircraft was operating under a Special Flight Authorization (AEV) because its Airworthiness Certificate had been canceled since 2003. The aircraft was also flying without VHF radio capability, and the landing gear was locked in the down position.
Maintenance performed prior to the flight was conducted by the pilot's father and grandfather. While the grandfather held an Aircraft Maintenance Technician license, his credentials had expired, and the father held no such license. The work included replacing the battery, alternator, and tires, as well as draining and refueling the engine. Furthermore, the technical documentation for the aircraft was incomplete, lacking updated logbooks and mandatory forms.
Findings
- The aircraft had been stored for a decade without preservation.
- Inadequate maintenance oversight and the use of unlicensed personnel for critical engine and airframe work.
- Presence of widespread corrosion and debris on control surfaces.
- Incomplete technical documentation and expired maintenance credentials for the personnel involved in the pre-flight servicing.
Safety action
It is recommended that the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) ensure strict compliance with procedure manuals regarding the issuance of Special Flight Authorizations (AEV). Specifically, for aircraft with suspended airworthiness certificates or those that have been in long-term storage, a comprehensive inspection must be performed by a certified professional to verify all safety parameters before flight release.