What happened
On September 1, 2013, a Neiva EMB-712, registration PT-RZR, departed from Picos, Piauí, en route to Serra da Capivara, Piauí. The flight was intended to be a repositioning flight to pick up a passenger. Approximately 32 minutes into the flight, while cruising at 6,500 feet, the pilot experienced a degradation in engine performance.
Following the loss of power, the pilot executed an emergency landing on a state highway near Simplício Mendes, Piau and. During the landing roll, the aircraft's right wing tip struck a road sign, and the left wing collided with a wooden fence post. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but the pilot remained uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation focused on identifying the cause of the engine performance degradation. Investigators examined the engine and its components, including fuel filters, spark plug cables, and electrical connections. The inspection revealed that all hoses were within their service life, there were no fluid leaks, and the fuel filter and ignition components were in good condition. The aircraft's documentation, including airworthiness certificates and maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller, were all found to be up to date. The pilot held a valid medical certificate and appropriate single-engine land rating.
Findings
- The investigation could not identify any specific factors that compromised the engine's performance.
- The cause of the engine power loss remained undetermined.