What happened
On June 1, 2013, at 17:35 UTC, a Piper PA-30, registration PT-DIS, was conducting an instrument flight rules (IFR) instruction flight from Londrina, PR, to Campo Grande, MS. During the flight, the propeller on the left engine suffered a rupture. This failure caused a significant imbalance in the engine, which subsequently led to the failure of the engine mount.
The instructor in command managed to shut down the left engine and continued the flight using only the right engine. The aircraft was able to complete a normal landing at Presidente Venceslau Airport (SDPV) in São Paulo. While the two occupants on board remained uninjured, the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records and the circumstances surrounding the component failure. The investigation established that the crew members held valid medical and technical certifications, and the instructor was sufficiently qualified for the mission. The aircraft was within weight and balance limits and possessed a valid Certificate of Airworthiness.
However, the investigation revealed that the maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were outdated. This lack of current documentation prevented investigators from determining the specific mechanical cause or the underlying factors that led to the propeller rupture.
Findings
- Inadequate maintenance records: The failure to maintain updated logs for the propeller and engine components.
- Maintenance management: Deficiencies in the oversight of aircraft maintenance documentation.
- Inadequate managerial supervision: Lack of effective control over the aircraft's maintenance history.