What happened
On October 29, 2020, a Zenith CH-701 aircraft, registered as PU-LMN, departed from the Sítio Flyer Aerodrome (SJCF) in Palmas, Tocantins, for a local flight. Approximately 10 minutes after takeoff, while cruising at 1,500 feet, the engine failed. The pilot performed a forced landing in an open field near the departure aerodrome. While the pilot sustained minor injuries, the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed significant regulatory non-compliance regarding both the pilot and the aircraft. The pilot was operating with an expired single-engine land (MNTE) rating, which had been invalid since October 2018, and an expired medical certificate (CMA) dating back to June 2017. Consequently, the pilot was not legally authorized to act as Pilot in Command.
Regarding the aircraft, although it held a Flight Authorization Certificate, the required Airworthiness Verification Certificate (CVA) was not presented. The investigation also noted that the aircraft lacked a weight and balance sheet. Furthermore, no airframe or engine logbooks were available, and there were no records to verify if any maintenance had been performed. The aircraft's last recorded flight took place on June 8, 2017.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine failure could not be definitively determined due to the lack of maintenance records and the experimental nature of the aircraft.
- Inadequate maintenance oversight due to the absence of engine and airframe logbooks.
- The pilot was flying with expired medical and rating credentials.
- The aircraft lacked essential documentation, including weight and balance data and airworthiness verification.