What happened
On July 20, 2017, a Cirrus SR20, registration PR-PRF, departed from an unregistered area at Santa Edwiges Farm in Santo Antônio do Leverger, Mato Grosso, bound for Ponta Porã Aerodrome. Shortly after takeoff, at an altitude of approximately 50 feet, the engine began emitting black smoke and producing an abnormal noise indicative of power loss.
Following the engine malfunction, the pilot attempted a left-hand reversal turn at an altitude of roughly 200 feet AGL to return to the takeoff area. During this maneuver, the aircraft entered a steep bank of approximately 60 degrees. This high bank angle, combined with the use of full flaps, increased the stall speed to a point where the aircraft could no longer maintain lift, resulting in a loss of control and a collision with the ground. The impact destroyed the aircraft and resulted in two fatalities, involving both the pilot and the passenger.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and the engine components to determine the cause of the power loss. While bench tests of the engine, lubrication, and ignition systems showed no abnormalities, investigators discovered a fracture in the fuel pump drive shaft. The analysis revealed a pre-crack region of approximately 0.5 mm, followed by a ductile torsional overload failure. Evidence suggested the shaft may have undergone improper heat treatment, which facilitated a brittle fracture during service.
The investigation also evaluated the pilot's emergency procedures. Although the aircraft's Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) was available, it was not deployed. Investigators noted that the terrain ahead of the takeoff path was suitable for an emergency landing, which might have avoided the fatal maneuver.