What happened
On September 15, 2017, at approximately 15:00 UTC, a Cessna U206F, registration PT-JPW, performed an emergency landing on the Branco River near Caracaraí, Roraima. An eyewitness reported seeing the aircraft descend and observed white nylon bags being dropped moments before the impact. Following the landing, the aircraft became submerged in the river.
The pilot was unable to escape the sinking aircraft and died at the scene. Upon inspection of the wreckage by the Federal Police, approximately 100kg of narcotics were recovered from inside the aircraft.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the airworthiness and regulatory status of the aircraft and the pilot's credentials. While the aircraft held valid Airworthiness and Registration Certificates, the maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not provided for review.
Regarding the pilot, although the medical certificate was valid, the pilot's single-engine land (MNTE) rating had been expired since June 2017. The investigation also noted that while the aircraft was registered to Brabo Táxi Aéreo Ltda., it had been sold to a private individual who could not be located by authorities.
Due to the presence of illegal substances and the indication of criminal activity, CENIPA interrupted the investigation. Under Brazilian law, investigations are suspended when there is evidence of a crime or when the occurrence stems from a violation of aeronautical legislation that precludes the derivation of new safety-related knowledge.
Findings
- The pilot was operating with an expired single-engine land rating.
- Approximately 100kg of narcotics were found inside the aircraft.
- The aircraft became submerged following the landing on the river.
- Maintenance documentation for the engine, propeller, and airframe was unavailable for inspection.