What happened
On June 3, 2023, at approximately 11:50 UTC, an amateur-built Excel aircraft, registration PT-ZMY, was conducting a private flight from Aeródromo Nova Xavantina to Aeródromo de Santo Antônio de Leverger, Mato Grosso. The flight, which included the pilot and two passengers, proceeded normally for about forty minutes until the crew noticed engine vibrations and power fluctuations.
The pilot attempted an approach to an agricultural landing strip at Fazenda Perdigão, approaching runway 28. Following an unsuccessful go-around, the aircraft suffered a total loss of engine power while on a heading of 145°. This loss of power resulted in an aerodynamic stall at a low altitude. The aircraft performed a forced landing in a plantation area, traveling 26.8 meters before the uneven terrain caused the aircraft to capsize. Despite the substantial damage to the airframe, all three occupants (the pilot and two passengers) were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the mechanical state of the aircraft and the pilot's proficiency. The investigation found that the pilot held valid medical and single-engine land licenses, but possessed limited experience, with only 44 total flight hours recorded.
Regarding the aircraft's airworthiness, the operator was unable to present the Experimental Flight Authorization (CAVE) or the Airworthiness Verification Certificate (CVA). While maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were provided, the entries lacked the required ANAC identification codes for the responsible mechanics. This lack of proper documentation made it impossible to verify the professional qualifications of the personnel who performed the maintenance or to confirm if all manufacturer-mandated interventions had been completed. The aircraft's engine was identified as a Jabiru 3300 (120 HP) paired with an Ivoprop Medium three-blade propeller.
Findings
- Low pilot experience in this specific aircraft type and flight profile.
- Unverifiable maintenance history due to missing mechanic identification codes in the logbooks.
- Lack of available airworthiness documentation (CAVE and CVA) from the operator.
- Total engine power loss leading to a low-altitude stall.
- Irregular terrain contributing to the aircraft capsizing during the landing roll.