What happened
On December 9, 2017, a Paradise I ultralight aircraft, registration PU-MMT, departed from Colniza Airport (SIXZ) in Mato Grosso, Brazil, bound for Juara (SIZX). The flight was intended to transport two passengers. After the aircraft failed to arrive at its destination, search and rescue operations were initiated by Salvaero Amazônico. On December 12, 2017, a Brazilian Air Force search and rescue unit located the wreckage in a heavily forested area near Nova Bandeirantes.
The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and three fatalities, including the pilot and both passengers.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators established that the pilot was operating the aircraft without the required aeronautical medical certificate (CMA). Furthermore, a check with the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) revealed that the pilot held no valid pilot license or certificate, such as a Sport Pilot Certificate (CPD) or Recreational Pilot Certificate (CPR), as required by Brazilian aviation regulations for ultrallight operations.
Due to the fact that the flight was conducted in direct violation of established aviation laws—creating safety levels below the minimum acceptable standards—CENIPA elected to interrupt the investigation. The agency determined that the operation's non-compliance with regulatory frameworks had already identified the primary safety risks.
Findings
- The pilot lacked a valid aeronautical medical certificate.
- The pilot was not registered with ANAC and did not possess a valid pilot license or certificate.
- The flight was conducted in violation of the Brazilian Aeronautical Certification Regulation (RBHA 103A).