What happened
On May 10, 2014, at approximately 20:00 UTC, a Cessna 182, registration PT-SNI, was conducting a local parachute jump operation departing from Estância Hércules (SSFE). The aircraft was carrying a pilot and four passengers. While on the base leg of the approach for landing, the pilot heard an unusual noise, immediately followed by a total engine failure.
In response to the loss of power, the pilot performed a forced landing into a cornfield located near runway 35 of the airfield. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the impact, though the pilot emerged from the incident uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the engine and the circumstances surrounding the flight. Post-crash observations revealed a fuel leak, leading investigators to consider fuel exhaustion (dry tank) as a possible cause. However, a detailed engine teardown conducted by the Department of Science and Technology of the Aeronautics (DCTA) found no internal or external component failures that could have caused a loss of power. The inspection noted that the engine was producing low or residual RPM at the moment of impact.
While fuel exhaustion remained a possibility, investigators also considered carburetor icing as a less likely alternative. The investigation also noted that although the aircraft was registered under the private (TPP) category, it was being utilized for commercial purposes. Furthermore, it was established that the pilot lacked the specific qualification required for parachute jump operations.
Findings
- The exact cause of the engine failure remains undetermined.
- The aircraft was being operated for commercial purposes despite its private registration.
- The pilot was not qualified for parachute jump operations.
- There was a possibility that the aircraft was operating with excessive weight or low fuel levels to optimize performance during takeoff and climb.
- The engine showed no mechanical defects during the technical teardown.