What happened
On September 20, 2015, an Aeromot AMT-200SO, registration PR-SOR, was performing a local flight departing from the Casa Branca aerodrome in São Paulo, Brazil. During the flight, the pilot reduced the throttle, which led to an engine shutdown. The pilot attempted to restart the engine while in flight, but the attempt was unsuccessful. Consequently, the pilot performed an emergency landing on the SP 340 highway at km 250 South. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, though the pilot remained uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances surrounding the engine failure and the pilot's subsequent actions. While the pilot reported that the engine failure was not an intentional shutdown, investigators found that the engine restart procedures outlined in the aircraft's checklist were not followed.
Following the accident, the propeller assembly was replaced to conduct ground tests on the powerplant. During these tests, which utilized an external battery, the engine operated for 46 minutes. The engine was subjected to various power settings, ranging from minimum to maximum RPM, and functioned normally without any signs of failure. No leaks of oil or fuel were detected, and no physical evidence was found to corroborate the pilot's description of a mechanical engine failure. The investigation noted that the aircraft's manual specifically prohibits engine shutdowns during flight and does not provide procedures for such an occurrence.
Findings
- The pilot was highly experienced with approximately 8,700 total flight hours, though they had only 8 hours of experience in the AMT-200SO model.
- The aircraft was airworthy, with valid documentation and within weight and balance limits.
- The engine demonstrated normal operation during post-accident ground testing.
- The pilot's failure to follow the prescribed checklist procedures for in-flight engine restarts was a key factor.
- The investigation identified the contributing factors as pilot attitude and piloting judgment.