What happened
On December 10, 2012, a Cessna 150M, registration PR-RIG, departed from the São João Del Rei Aerodrome (SNJR) bound for the Oliveira Aerodrome (SNRZ) in Minas Gerais. The flight was being conducted for aerial photography purposes with a pilot and a passenger on board.
As the aircraft approached the vicinity of Oliveira, the engine ceased operation because of insufficient fuel in the tanks. In response to the loss of power, the pilot attempted an emergency landing in a plowed field at Fazenda Rancho da Paz. During the maneuver, the aircraft struck the ground at a high angle of impact and low speed. The impact resulted in serious injuries for both the pilot and the passenger, and the aircraft sustained substantial structural damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators confirmed that the pilot held valid medical and technical certifications at the time of the accident. The aircraft's airworthiness certificate was also valid. The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the engine failure and the subsequent impact with the terrain.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine failure was low fuel levels in the aircraft tanks.
- The aircraft struck the ground at a high angle of impact.
- The flight was being conducted as a private aerial photography mission.