What happened
On October 24, 2020, at approximately 18:30 UTC, an Ícaros Adventure trike, registered as PU-AFJ, departed from Aeródromo Fazenda Irohy (SDIH) in Biritiba-Mirim, São Paulo, for a local flight. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and one passenger.
Approximately 20 minutes into the flight, the aircraft experienced a loss of engine power. In an attempt to return to the runway, the aircraft lost control and collided with the ground in an open field near runway 31. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. The pilot sustained serious injuries, while the passenger remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators established that the person operating the aircraft did not possess a pilot's license or any legal qualification to operate the aircraft. Furthermore, the operator did not hold a valid Aeronautical Medical Certificate (CMA).
The aircraft was registered under the Private Experimental (PET) category. Investigators were unable to verify the validity of the aircraft's Experimental Flight Authorization Certificate (CAVE). Additionally, the operator failed to provide maintenance and inspection records to the investigators, making it impossible to assess the aircraft's airworthiness at the time of the accident. Meteorological conditions at the time of the occurrence were found to be favorable for flight.
Findings
- The operator lacked the required pilot license and aeronautical medical certification.
- The aircraft experienced a loss of engine power during flight.
- Non-compliance with Brazilian civil aviation regulations regarding crew licensing and medical certification contributed to the unsafe operation.