Engine failure leads to forced landing and aircraft destruction in Pará

Casualties unknown • CUMARU DO NORTE, PA, BR

A Beechcraft F33A experienced engine power loss during takeoff from an unregistered strip, resulting in a forced landing and subsequent fire.

What happened

On August 30, 2014, a Beechcraft F33A, registration PT-LVV, was performing a takeoff from an unregistered and uncertified private farm strip located in Cumaru do Norte, Pará. The aircraft was en route from the Nicobran Farm to the Comandante Carlos Inácio Agnes Aerodrome in Davinópolis, Maranhão, carrying one pilot and two passengers.

During the takeoff roll, the pilot noted that the engine was not operating normally, specifically experiencing low power output. Unable to achieve sufficient RPM to maintain flight, the aircraft lost lift and performed a forced landing in a nearby pasture. Following the impact, the aircraft caught fire and was substantially destroyed.

The investigation

CENIPA's investigation focused on the mechanical state of the engine and the maintenance history of the aircraft. Investigators established that while the pilot held valid technical and medical certifications and the aircraft possessed a valid Certificate of Airworthiness, significant maintenance discrepancies were present.

Records showed that an engine overhaul was overdue. Furthermore, a maintenance evaluation conducted on August 15, 2014, had identified low cylinder compression. Despite the owner being informed of these unsatisfactory conditions, an annual maintenance inspection was performed that erroneously certified the aircraft as airworthy without accounting for the specific engine maintenance limitations established by Teledyne Continental Motors, Inc.

Probable cause

The engine failure was caused by insufficient power during takeoff, stemming from an overdue engine overhaul and unaddressed low cylinder compression, compounded by a maintenance inspection that failed to recognize manufacturer-mandated engine limitations.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-08-30 aircraft accident near CUMARU DO NORTE, PA, BR?

A Beechcraft F33A experienced engine power loss during takeoff from an unregistered strip, resulting in a forced landing and subsequent fire.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-08-30 involved a aircraft, registration PTLVV, at CUMARU DO NORTE, PA, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was caused by insufficient power during takeoff, stemming from an overdue engine overhaul and unaddressed low cylinder compression, compounded by a maintenance inspection that failed to recognize manufacturer-mandated engine limitations.

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