What happened
On December 8, 2017, a Cessna 210R, registration PR-LOR, departed from Novo Progresso, Pará, bound for São Félix do Xingu. The flight, which was intended for passenger transport, diverted to an unregistered airstrip in Vila Nereu. During the final approach, the aircraft's right main landing gear struck electrical transmission lines. The impact caused the cables to tension and snap, breaking a utility pole. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground approximately 22 meters beyond the lines, spinning 70 degrees on its vertical axis. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, including the engine, propeller, landing gear, and fuselage. Of the five people on board, two passengers sustained minor injuries, while the other two remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed that the flight was operating as a charter service for passenger transport, despite the pilot holding only a Private Pilot license, which did not authorize remunerated operations. Investigators found that the pilot's medical certificate had been expired since October 2017. Additionally, the pilot's flight logbook had been lost, making it impossible to verify his flight experience.
While the pilot reported making three passes over the runway to check conditions, he stated he did not perceive the power lines. Investigators noted that a motorcyclist was present on the runway during the approach, which may have distracted the pilot. The investigation also confirmed that the landing site was an unregistered aerodrome, which had been used for similar operations for over 12 years despite lacking proper infrastructure or official registration with ANAC.
Findings
- The decision to land at an unregistered airstrip.
- A lack of situational awareness and failure to perceive obstacles on the approach.
- Inadequate flight planning and decision-making processes.
- The pilot's lack of proper qualification for remunerated passenger transport.
- The pilot'carrying out the operation with an expired medical certificate.