What happened
On December 11, 2021, a P2002 Sierra de Luxe, registration PU-MDJ, was conducting a local scenic flight from an unregistered dirt runway at Fazenda Estrela, in Anaurilândia, Mato Grosso do Sul. The flight was operated by a private pilot and included one passenger.
After taking off from runway 09, the aircraft entered the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, during which the pilot experienced a momentary engine failure. The pilot subsequently decided to land on runway 2/7, the opposite direction of takeoff. However, while the aircraft was on the base leg for the approach, the engine ceased functioning entirely. Unable to reach the runway, the aircraft stalled and collided with a gate of a perimeter fence located approximately 400 meters short of the runway threshold. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft's wings, landing gear, and forward section. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the passenger remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the mechanical failure and the lack of operational oversight. Investigators examined the engine's condition and noted that the pilot reported a fuel filter obstruction. The commission also reviewed the pilot's credentials and the aircraft's airworthiness documentation.
The investigation faced significant hurdles due to a lack of documentation. The pilot did not present a physical flight log, and the digital records were not up to date, making it impossible to verify the pilot's recent experience or specific qualifications for the flight. Furthermore, the aircraft was being operated under an Experimental-Flight Authorization Certificate (CAVE), but the investigators could not verify its airworthiness status because the operator did not provide the necessary maintenance or inspection records. Additionally, the aircraft was removed from the accident site without proper authorization from the investigating authorities.
Findings
- The engine failure was likely caused by an obstruction in the fuel filter.
- There was a complete lack of maintenance traceability, as the aircraft had no airframe or engine logbooks, no maintenance and inspection program, and no annual maintenance inspection reports (RIAM).
- The pilot was operating with an expired Aeronautical Medical Certificate (CMA).
- The flight originated from an unregistered airstrip.
- The lack of maintenance records created uncertainty regarding the quality and frequency of the services performed on the aircraft.