What happened
On August 3, 2014, at approximately 09:10 UTC, an Embraer EMB-720C, registration PT-WPH, departed from the Balsas Aerodrome (SNBS) in Maranhão, Brazil, bound for Teresina, Piauí. The flight was intended to transport four passengers and one pilot. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft lost altitude and crashed into a residential area located approximately 1km from the runway threshold. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and the deaths of all five people on board.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance history and technical configuration. The investigation revealed that the aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness had been canceled since October 2013 due to a failure to perform the required annual maintenance inspection. Furthermore, the aircraft's airworthiness certificate had been previously suspended in September 2010 following a notification regarding a crack in the left semi-spar junction.
Technical inspections of the engine and components showed significant discrepancies. The engine installed, a Lycoming IO-540-K1G5D, differed from the manufacturer-specified model for this aircraft type. Additionally, the left magneto was found to be an incompatible model for the installed engine, and the right magneto lacked identification markings. Maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were also found to be outdated.
Findings
- The engine's Time Between Overhaul (TBO) had expired in July 2011.
- The aircraft was operating without a valid Certificate of Airworthiness.
- Unauthorized and undocumented engine and magneto modifications were present on the aircraft.
- Maintenance records for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not up to date.
- The pilot held a valid medical certificate and single-engine land rating, though specific flight experience could not be determined.