What happened
On October 15, 2002, a Cessna 310K, registration PT-CPE, departed from Grajaú, Brazil, on a ferry flight intended for maintenance in Imperatriz. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot experienced a malfunction preventing the landing gear from retracting. The pilot elected to continue the flight with the gear extended, which increased aerodynamic drag.
During the flight, the pilot altered the planned route to follow highways, significantly increasing the flight distance from 90 NM to over 150 NM. Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the pilot noticed a drop in fuel pressure in the right engine. The pilot diverted to the uncertified airfield in Itaguatins, Tocantins. As the aircraft approached the runway on short final, the right engine failed completely. During the landing attempt, the right wing struck an elevation in the terrain, causing the aircraft to capsize and catch fire. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the passenger was uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed that the aircraft had been out of service for approximately four years and was operating under a special flight authorization that prohibited passengers. The investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, noting that the airworthiness certificate had been canceled and the last major inspection had occurred in 1977. Investigators also reviewed the pilot's credentials, finding that both the pilot's medical certificate and technical ratings were expired. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the fuel management, noting that the increased flight distance and the drag from the extended landing gear likely depleted the available fuel reserves.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to fly a longer route with the landing gear extended led to increased fuel consumption, likely resulting in fuel exhaustion.
- The pilot intentionally violated flight regulations by carrying a passenger despite the special flight authorization prohibiting it.
- The pilot operated the aircraft with expired medical and technical certifications.
- The aircraft's right wing struck terrain during a low-angle final approach, causing the loss of control.
- The aircraft was operating with a canceled airworthiness certificate and had been inactive for several years.