What happened
On July 21, 2007, a Cessna 170, registration PP-DTT, departed from Jacarepaguá Aerodrome (SBJR) for a banner towing operation along the coastline. Approximately two hours into the flight, the engine began to malfunction, exhibiting irregular operation and power loss. The pilot attempted to stabilize the engine by applying power, but the failure persisted.
To avoid populated areas on the beach, the pilot executed an emergency water landing near Leblon Beach. The aircraft landed with its wings level approximately 20 meters from the shoreline. Following the impact, the aircraft sank and remained submerged for approximately three hours. The pilot was able to abandon the aircraft and was rescued by bystanders on the beach. The aircraft sustained severe damage to the engine and tail cone, along with minor damage to the fuselage and left wing.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the cause of the engine failure, which was identified as a fuel exhaustion event (pane seca). The investigation examined the refueling procedures of the operator, Rioar Propaganda Aé/rea Ltda., and the pilot's pre-flight inspections.
Investigators found that while the pilot performed a pre-flight check that included opening the fuel tank caps, they failed to verify the actual quantity of fuel remaining in the tanks. A significant contributing factor was a breakdown in the refueling process: the pilot observed a refueling truck and a company employee near the aircraft and incorrectly assumed the aircraft had been refueled. In reality, the truck had only paused briefly before being directed to another aircraft. The investigation also noted that the company lacked formal, standardized refueling procedures and relied on informal practices that lacked sufficient interaction between pilots and ground personnel.
Findings
- The engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion.
- The pilot failed to verify the fuel quantity in the tanks despite company and manual requirements to do so.
- The pilot's judgment was influenced by the visual presence of refueling personnel, leading to the false assumption that the aircraft was topped off.
- The company's refueling practices lacked standardized procedures to ensure the pilot and ground staff communicated effectively regarding fuel levels.
- The pilot's desire to complete a longer flight duration to return home earlier that day may have contributed to the oversight.