Amphibious Aircraft Crashes into Water in São Paulo

Casualties unknown • PARANAPANEMA, SP, BR

A Scoda Aeronáutica Super Petrel 100 crashed into the Jurumirim Reservoir, resulting in two fatalities and highlighting risks of spatial disorientation during water operations.

What happened

On October 9, 2022, at approximately 19:00 UTC, a Super Petrel 100 amphibious aircraft, registration PU-EAM, crashed into the Jurumirim Reservoir near Paranapanema, São Paulo. The aircraft had departed from the Clube de Voo Fazenda Royal for a private local flight.

Witnesses on a nearby boat observed the aircraft flying at a low altitude approximately one hour before the wreckage was discovered floating on the water. The impact occurred in the central part of the reservoir, far from the shoreline. The collision with the water surface was characterized by an initial impact of the left wing, followed by the nose of the aircraft striking the water. The crash resulted in two fatalities, involving the pilot and one passenger.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and the pilot's credentials. Post-accident testing of the Rotax 912 ULS engine showed no mechanical or electrical failures, and the engine functioned normally during various power settings. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's licenses and the aircraft's airworthiness status.

Investigators noted that the pilot held valid licenses for single-engine land aircraft but lacked the specific qualification for amphibious/floatplane operations (AAFA). Furthermore, the investigation found that the occupants were not wearing life jackets, which is a regulatory requirement for flights over water. The investigation also noted that the pilot's digital flight log was not up to date, contrary to current regulations.

Findings

  • The pilot was not qualified for the specific type of operation being conducted.
  • The aircraft struck the water with a high rate of descent, likely with the left wing low.
  • Spatial disorientation is considered a highly probable factor, as the lack of visual references over calm or reflective water surfaces can lead to illusions regarding the aircraft's attitude and horizon.
  • The lack of life jackets for the occupants may have contributed to the fatal outcome.
  • There were no mechanical failures identified in the engine or propeller systems.

Probable cause

The accident was likely caused by spatial disorientation during low-altitude flight over water, leading to an uncontrolled descent and impact, compounded by the pilot's lack of amphibious flight qualification and the absence of life jackets.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2022-10-09 aircraft accident near PARANAPANEMA, SP, BR?

A Scoda Aeronáutica Super Petrel 100 crashed into the Jurumirim Reservoir, resulting in two fatalities and highlighting risks of spatial disorientation during water operations.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2022-10-09 involved a aircraft, registration PUEAM, at PARANAPANEMA, SP, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was likely caused by spatial disorientation during low-altitude flight over water, leading to an uncontrolled descent and impact, compounded by the pilot's lack of amphibious flight qualification and the absence of life jackets.

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