What happened
On December 15, 2020, a Cessna T210M, registered as PR-ORV, was involved in an aircraft accident in the vicinity of Tailândia, Pará. The aircraft, which was operating as a private flight, departed from an unidentified location carrying a pilot and one passenger.
For reasons that were not disclosed, the individual operating the aircraft attempted to land on a dirt access road within the São Felipe Farm area. During this landing maneuver, the aircraft's nose gear collapsed, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. Despite the impact, both occupants of the aircraft escaped the scene without injuries.
Following the incident, local police reported that the aircraft was abandoned at the site. Investigators also noted conflicting reports regarding the presence of a second passenger and the delivery of several unidentified boxes to an individual in a nearby vehicle during the event.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the qualifications of the person operating the aircraft and the regulatory compliance of the flight. While the individual possessed a valid medical certificate, investigators established that the person did not hold a pilot license or the necessary ratings required to operate the Cessna T210M.
Regarding the aircraft's airworthiness, the PR-ORV held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness at the time of the accident. However, investigators were unable to verify the aircraft's weight and balance status or the currency of its maintenance logs, as the aircraft's logbooks and technical records were not presented to the authorities.
Findings
- The person operating the aircraft lacked the required pilot license and appropriate type rating.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage due to the nose gear failure during the off-runway landing.
- Meteorological conditions were favorable for visual flight at the time of the occurrence.
- The aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid, but maintenance records could not be verified.
- The operation was conducted in violation of Brazilian Civil Aviation Regulations (RBAC 91), which require all flight crews to be properly licensed and qualified.