What happened
On August 23, 2014, a Cessna 182N, registration PT-DQG, was conducting a skydiving operation departing from the Feijó Aerodrome (SNFF). The mission involved dropping parachutists at an altitude of 8,500 feet. During the climb, while the aircraft was passing through 7,000 feet, a loud bang was heard, followed by intense vibrations and the immediate failure of the engine. The propeller assembly detached from the aircraft during this event.
Following the engine failure, the passengers (parachutists) evacuated the aircraft. The pilot declared an emergency and elected to proceed to Pinto Martins Airport (SBFZ), located approximately 5 nautical miles from the departure point, as it was deemed the most suitable landing site under the circumstances. The pilot successfully performed a landing on runway 13 under calm wind conditions. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the structural integrity of the engine and propeller assembly. Upon inspection after landing, the pilot discovered that the propeller assembly and the upper engine cowling were missing. The engine itself was found to be held only by cables, hoses, wiring, and plumbing, as all engine mounting points had been broken. \nTechnical examination of the components revealed that the propeller hub, along with one of the propeller blades, had separated; the second blade was located approximately 2km away from the hub. Detailed structural analysis of the propeller hub identified a fracture in the blade attachment, and the crankshaft was found to be fractured. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was within weight and balance limits and that all required maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were up to date.
Findings
- Maintenance
- Managerial supervision