What happened
On November 14, 2020, a Jabiru J250 (registration PU-MLU) departed from the Itaipu Flight Condominium (SWIT) in Santa Tererizinha de Itaipu, Paraná, bound for Ijuí, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and one passenger on a private flight.
During the climb to flight level 055, the pilot noticed engine oscillations. After coordinating with Foz do Iguaçu Approach Control, the pilot attempted to return to the departure airfield. However, due to uncertainty regarding whether the aircraft's performance would allow it to reach the origin airport, the pilot elected to perform an emergency landing in a nearby soybean field. Upon touchdown, the nose gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to capsize. Both occupants of the Jabiru J250 escaped the accident uninjured, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, propeller, nose gear, and vertical stabilizer.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records and physical condition. While the aircraft had a valid annual inspection, the logbooks for the airframe, engine, and propeller lacked updated flight hour tracking or maintenance history. The investigation also noted the use of inconsistent hardware, specifically different types of clamps used within the same fuel line.
During the physical inspection of the engine, investigators discovered that two clamps at the fuel pump inlet were loose enough to allow disconnection without effort. This condition likely allowed air to enter the fuel line, causing cavitation and subsequent engine instability.
Findings
- The primary contributing factor was inadequate aircraft maintenance, specifically the lack of rigorous control over flight hours, maintenance intervals, and traceability of performed services.
- Loose fuel pump inlet clamps allowed air into the fuel system, leading to engine power loss.
- The pilot was properly licensed and medically certified, though possessed limited experience with the aircraft type.
- The emergency landing was performed under controlled conditions with low sink rates, which helped prevent injuries.