What happened
On May 8, 2004, an EMB-810C, registration PT-EAX, departed from the Blumenau aerodrome in Santa Catarina, Brazil, for a skydiving operation. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and six passengers. Approximately 200 feet after takeoff, the right engine failed and could not be restarted.
Unable to maintain flight on a single engine, the pilot attempted an emergency landing in a nearby river. During the maneuver, the aircraft entered a turn toward the side of the failed engine. During this turn, the right wing struck a radio antenna and subsequently collided with a tree. The impact caused a fire in the right engine, which was extinguished by local residents. While most occupants escaped without injury, one passenger sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the engine and fuel system of the PT-EAX. While the engine components themselves showed no mechanical failure, the investigation of the fuel system revealed significant contamination. Large amounts of metal shavings, rivets, and plastic fragments were found inside the fuel tank and the low-pressure fuel filter.
The investigation also reviewed the pilot's performance and the aircraft's operational status. It was noted that the aircraft's maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller had been out of date since November 2003. Additionally, the aircraft was operating with seven people on board, exceeding the maximum passenger capacity of six, and one passenger was not secured with a seatbelt due to the lack of available restraints.
Findings
- Fuel system contamination: The primary cause of the engine failure was a failure in the fuel supply, likely caused by debris (metal shavings, rivets, and plastic) left in the fuel tank following improper maintenance.
- Improper engine-out procedures: The pilot failed to apply correct single-engine flight techniques, specifically by attempting a turn toward the side of the failed engine, which is contrary to manufacturer recommendations.
- Loss of airspeed: The pilot likely failed to recognize a pre-stall condition, attempting to maintain altitude by pulling the nose up, which led to a loss of airspeed and subsequent inability to maintain flight.
- Operational irregularities: The flight exceeded the permitted passenger capacity, and the aircraft was being used for skydiving operations without the specific certification required for that purpose.
- Maintenance deficiencies: The presence of foreign object debris (FOD) in the fuel system indicated that cleaning and inspection after recent repairs were not performed adequately.