What happened
On November 3, 2018, a Neiva EMB-201A, registration PT-GSH, was performing a ferry flight from Confresa (SJHG) to Matupá (SWXM) in Mato Grosso, Brazil. Approximately 90 minutes into the flight, while in the cruise phase, the engine lost power. The aircraft descended into a dense forested area near Peixot de Azevedo.
Upon impact, the aircraft was destroyed and partially consumed by fire. The pilot sustained serious injuries, including burns to the face and body. Following the crash, the pilot managed to exit the wreckage but became lost in the dense jungle. Due to a lack of survival equipment, signaling devices, or a first-aid kit, the pilot remained missing for five days before being located by rescue teams from the Mato Grosso Military Police.
The investigation
CENIPA was notified of the accident the following day via the Mato Grosso Military Police. The investigation revealed that the aircraft was operating with a cancelled Certificate of Airworthiness that had been expired since September 2010. Additionally, the Annual Maintenance Inspection (IAM) was overdue, and the logbooks for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not up to date.
The flight was conducted without a flight plan and without the use of radio equipment. While the pilot held valid medical and flight certifications and possessed experience in the aircraft type, the aircraft's legal status was non-compliant with Brazilian aviation regulations. Because the operation was conducted at safety levels below the minimums established by the Brazilian State, CENIPA decided to terminate the investigation, focusing only on the collection of factual data.
Findings
- The engine lost power during the cruise phase, leading to the crash.
- The aircraft was flying with an expired Certificate of Airworthiness and an overdue annual maintenance inspection.
- The aircraft's maintenance records (cell, engine, and propeller) were not updated.
- The flight was conducted without a flight plan or radio communication.
- The lack of survival gear and signaling equipment significantly hindered the rescue efforts and the pilot's location.