Engine failure leads to lake ditching of Conquest 180 in Parauapebas

Casualties unknown • PARAUPEBAS, PA, BR

An experimental Conquest 180 aircraft crashed into a lake in Parauapebas, Brazil, following an engine failure during the landing circuit, resulting in serious injuries to the pilot.

What happened

On June 23, 2018, at approximately 20:20 UTC, a Conquest 180 aircraft, registration PU-MGH, was performing a local flight departing from Fazenda Serra Grande in Parauapebas, Pará. The flight carried a pilot and one passenger.

While the aircraft was executing the landing circuit, positioned between the base and final legs, the engine failed. The pilot attempted to land on the surface of a nearby lake. During the approach, the aircraft's speed decreased until it reached a stall condition over the water. The aircraft struck the lake surface and became completely submerged. The impact caused the tail section to break off and resulted in substantial structural damage to the airframe.

Following the impact, the pilot, who had sustained injuries, encountered difficulty releasing the seatbelt while the aircraft was underwater. The pilot suffered serious injuries, while the passenger sustained minor injuries.

Probable cause

The investigation was officially terminated by CENIPA because the preservation of evidence was compromised by the unauthorized removal and dismantling of the aircraft, making it impossible to determine the exact cause of the engine failure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2018-06-23 aircraft accident near PARAUPEBAS, PA, BR?

An experimental Conquest 180 aircraft crashed into a lake in Parauapebas, Brazil, following an engine failure during the landing circuit, resulting in serious injuries to the pilot.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2018-06-23 involved a aircraft, registration PUMGH, at PARAUPEBAS, PA, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The investigation was officially terminated by CENIPA because the preservation of evidence was compromised by the unauthorized removal and dismantling of the aircraft, making it impossible to determine the exact cause of the engine failure.

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