What happened
On September 23, 2014, at approximately 18:3/0 UTC, an EMB-810D aircraft, registration PT-VDQ, was operating over Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil. While flying near the Mondrian Residential area, the aircraft experienced a loss of engine power. In response to the power loss, the pilot performed a forced landing in an area of low vegetation, located approximately 6km southwest of the Sinop Municipal Airport.
The aircraft was carrying two occupants, including the pilot. Despite the forced landing, the pilot remained uninjured, and the aircraft sustained no damage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed significant regulatory non-compliance regarding both the pilot and the aircraft's operational status. The investigation noted that the pilot's single-engine and multi-engine land ratings had been expired since January 1986, and the pilot's medical certificate had been invalid since January 1992.
Furthermore, the flight was conducted without a filed flight plan or communication with air traffic control services. The pilot also failed to declare the intended takeoff and landing locations. Regarding the aircraft, while the airworthiness certificate was valid, maintenance records for the airframe, propeller, and engine were unavailable for review. Additionally, investigators found that the aircraft's registration markings had been altered using adhesive tape.
Due to the high volume of existing regulatory violations and the finding that the operation was in direct violation of established aeronautical legislation, the investigation was terminated. The authorities determined that since the safety risks were rooted in the failure to observe existing regulations, further investigation would not yield new preventive findings.