What happened
On July 21, 2003, an Embraer E 720C, registration PT-EPT, was performing a flight from Fazenda Tabajara to Fazenda Nova Vida in the state of Rondônia. Approximately 25 minutes into the flight, while cruising at 4,500 feet, the pilot noticed abnormal engine noise and a lack of responsiveness to fuel lever inputs, followed by a complete engine failure.
After unsuccessful attempts to restart the engine in flight, the pilot decided to perform an emergency landing. Seeking a suitable landing site, the pilot identified a road leading to the city of Rio Crespo. During the approach, the pilot had to descend quickly to clear a power line, causing the aircraft to touch the ground at high speed. While traversing the road, the aircraft struck a signpost and encountered a speed bump. The impact with the bump caused the pilot to lose control, leading the aircraft to strike obstacles and a roadside embankment, resulting in severe damage to the airframe and left wing. The pilot and the three passengers were all unharmed.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed that the aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness had been suspended since September 2002 because the Annual Maintenance Inspection (IAM) was overdue. The investigation found that the aircraft's logbooks had not been updated since early 2002, and several critical components, including fuel and hydraulic hoses, were in poor condition and had exceeded their service life. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the aircraft was being operated without a proper preventive maintenance program, with repairs being performed sporadically by unaccredited mechanics.
Findings
- Lack of maintenance oversight: The primary cause of the engine failure was the failure to perform adequate preventive maintenance.
- Regulatory non-compliance: The pilot operated the aircraft with an expired Certificate of Airworthiness and failed to adhere to established flight discipline.
- Maintenance deficiencies: Critical components, such as fuel hoses, were expired and lacked proper identification or validity markings.
- Operational risks: The aircraft was being maintained through irregular services outside of approved workshops, and the owner failed in their responsibility to ensure the aircraft remained in an airworthy condition.