What happened
On November 12, 2019, at approximately 18:30 UTC, a Cessna T210R, registration PR-LUK, was performing a private flight from Aeródromo Maestro Wilson Fonseca in Santarém, Pará, to Itaituba, Pará. The pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft.
During the climb, approximately 23 nautical miles from the departure airport, the pilot experienced an intermittent engine malfunction. In response to the instability, the pilot initiated a return to the origin airport. However, while approaching the Muretá community, the engine suffered a complete failure. The pilot attempted emergency procedures but was unable to maintain flight, resulting in a forced landing on the Tapahós River. The aircraft became submerged in the water and sustained substantial damage, though the pilot escaped uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft and its components following its recovery from the river. While the pilot was found to be fully qualified with a valid medical certificate, and the aircraft held a valid airworthiness certificate, the investigation faced challenges due to the loss of the aircraft's logbooks and maintenance records during the submersion.
Investigators noted that the aircraft was frequently used in mining areas, where refueling often occurs via portable containers (jerrycans), which can introduce contaminants into the fuel system. Upon inspection of the fuel system, AvGas was found in the fuel distributor, indicating that fuel was flowing to the engine prior to the failure.
Technical analysis focused on the mechanical fuel pump. During disassembly, investigators found that the pump blades were jammed and that one blade had suffered a fracture. A technical report from the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DCTA) determined that the fracture was caused by an overload rather than fatigue or corrosion.
Findings
- The mechanical fuel pump blades were jammed, and one blade had ruptured.
- The rupture of the pump blade likely restricted fuel flow to the engine, leading to the failure.
- The failure of the mechanical fuel pump was the primary factor in the engine loss of power.
- Maintenance records for the engine and airframe could not be verified as they were lost during the accident.