What happened
On August 4, 2019, a Piper PA-31-350 aircraft, registered as PR-MCD, performed a forced landing (ditching) on the Amazon River near Oriximiná, Pará. The flight originated from an undisclosed location within the municipality of São Félix do Xingú, destined for a mining site near Porto Trombetas. The aircraft was operated by Aracavoos Táxi Aéreo e Turismo Ltda. to transport cargo, with two pilots on board.
Following the impact with the water, the crew abandoned the aircraft, which subsequently submerged in the river. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. Both the pilot in command and the second in command sustained light injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed several significant regulatory violations. The aircraft was operating with an expired Annual Maintenance Inspection, which had been overdue since April 2016, and an expired Certificate of Airworthiness, which had been invalid since September 2016. Furthermore, the operator, Aracavoos Táxi Aéreo e Turismo Ltda., did not hold a valid Air Operator Certificate (COA).
The investigation established that the flight was being conducted without a filed flight plan, and the accident was not initially reported to the investigation authority; officials only became aware of the event through social media 24 hours later. Additionally, the crew did not provide maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, or propeller to the investigators.
Findings
- The aircraft was transporting diesel fuel, a dangerous goods item that was prohibited from air transport under Brazilian civil aviation regulations (RBAC 175.5).
- The aircraft was operating with expired maintenance and airworthiness certifications.
- The operator was operating without the required Air Operator Certificate.
- The flight was conducted without a flight plan.
- The specific cause of the forced landing remains undetermined due to the aircraft submerging and the lack of cooperation from the operator regarding maintenance records.