What happened
On October 29, 2022, a Cessna 182K, registration PT-DAB, was operating a skydive mission near Igarassu, Pernambuco. After releasing skydivers, the pilot noticed fluctuations in the engine's operating parameters. As the aircraft descended, the engine performance progressively deteriorated, with RPM variations becoming more pronounced as the altitude dropped.
At approximately 2,000 ft AGL, the pilot initiated emergency traffic to land at Coroa do Avião Aerodrome (SIFC). During a 360-degree approach, the engine speed dropped to idle. Fearing a stall due to the high bank angle required to realign with the runway, the pilot leveled the wings and attempted an emergency landing. The aircraft landed approximately 110 meters to the right of the runway threshold, traveled 15 meters along the ground, and overturned. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the engine, propeller, vertical stabilizer, and right wing, though the pilot escaped without injury.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, which were found to be up to date, and analyzed the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. While fuel levels were sufficient and fuel quality was within specifications, the investigation focused on the engine's behavior during the descent.
Investigators evaluated the possibility of carburetor icing, noting that the ambient temperature (29°C) and dew point (22°C) placed the aircraft in a