Piper PA-34 200T Ditching in Amazon River Following Engine Failures

Casualties unknown • ENVIRA, AM, BR

A Piper PA-34 200T crashed into the Tarauacá River in Amazonas after experiencing power loss in both engines during a climb.

What happened

On 07 June 2013, a PA-34 200T, registration PT-MMX, was performing a daytime charter flight from Envira to Eirunepé in the State of Amazonas. During the initial climb phase following departure, the aircraft's left engine experienced a loss of power. In an attempt to return to the runway, the pilot executed a right-hand turn. During this maneuver, the right engine also began to lose power. Realizing the aircraft could not reach the aerodrome, the pilot opted to ditch the aircraft in the Tarauacá River.

The impact with the water was severe. The aircraft struck the surface in a nose-up attitude with the landing gear extended and flaps at 40 degrees, causing the nose to pitch down into a secondary impact. The structural integrity of the fuselage was compromised, and the aircraft quickly sank. The accident resulted in one serious injury, five minor injuries, and one missing person.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a combination of flight planning errors, including an overweight takeoff, and improper pilot judgment during the emergency, specifically the failure to retract landing gear and follow established engine-failure procedures, which led to a loss of performance and subsequent ditching.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-06-07 aircraft accident near ENVIRA, AM, BR?

A Piper PA-34 200T crashed into the Tarauacá River in Amazonas after experiencing power loss in both engines during a climb.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-06-07 involved a aircraft, registration PTMMX, at ENVIRA, AM, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a combination of flight planning errors, including an overweight takeoff, and improper pilot judgment during the emergency, specifically the failure to retract landing gear and follow established engine-failure procedures, which led to a loss of performance and subsequent ditching.

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