Experimental Aircraft Disappears Over Roraima, Brazil

Casualties unknown • IRACEMA, RR, BR

An experimental POTY aircraft disappeared during a flight in Roraima, Brazil, after encountering adverse weather conditions; the pilot lacked experience in the region.

What happened

On August 4, 2021, an experimental POTY aircraft, registration PU-POT, departed from an unregistered landing strip known as the Clube de Aviação Desportiva de Roraima (CADTRR) in the state of Roraima, Brazil. The flight was intended to proceed to the Homoxi Aerodrome (SJLF). The aircraft was carrying one pilot and two passengers.

Following the departure, the aircraft failed to arrive at its destination and was subsequently declared missing. Despite search and rescue operations conducted by the Brazilian Air Force (SISSAR) between August 6 and August 15, 2021, the aircraft was not located. Due to the disappearance, the status of the occupants and the condition of the aircraft remain unknown.

The investigation

CENIPA's investigation established that while the pilot held a valid private pilot license and medical certificate, his flight experience was limited to approximately 41 hours of instructional flight time, and he lacked familiarity with the local operating environment. Furthermore, the aircraft was designed to carry only one pilot and one passenger, meaning the flight was operating with an unauthorized number of occupants.

Satellite imagery from REDEMET indicated significant meteorological formations in the area during the morning of the occurrence. Radio communications from other pilots suggested that the pilot of PU-POT had reported deteriorating weather and intended to return to Boa Vista. The investigation also noted that no flight plan (FPL) had been filed for the operation, and the departure occurred from an unregistered airfield.

Findings

  • The pilot possessed a valid license and medical certificate but lacked experience in the specific flight type and region.
  • The aircraft was operating with an unauthorized number of passengers.
  • No flight plan was submitted for the flight.
  • Meteorological conditions were not suitable for maintaining Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC).
  • The aircraft disappeared and was not recovered.

Safety action

  • It is recommended that the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) work with the owner of the unregistered airfield (CADTRR) to ensure the landing strip is properly registered.

Probable cause

The investigation identified the pilot's lack of experience, inadequate flight planning, and uncertain pilot judgment as contributing factors, occurring alongside adverse weather conditions that likely forced the aircraft into instrument conditions for which it was not certified.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2021-08-04 aircraft accident near IRACEMA, RR, BR?

An experimental POTY aircraft disappeared during a flight in Roraima, Brazil, after encountering adverse weather conditions; the pilot lacked experience in the region.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2021-08-04 involved a aircraft, registration PUPOT, at IRACEMA, RR, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The investigation identified the pilot's lack of experience, inadequate flight planning, and uncertain pilot judgment as contributing factors, occurring alongside adverse weather conditions that likely forced the aircraft into instrument conditions for which it was not certified.

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