What happened
On December 30, 2017, at 16:45 UTC, a Cessna A188B, registration PR-MLY, was performing a repositioning flight from an agricultural landing strip at Estância Santa Gertrudes to a nearby farm in Dom Pedrito, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft was operated by Scheis Aero Agrícola Ltda.
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft entered a left-hand turn, subsequently lost altitude, and struck a riverbank. The impact caused substantial damage to the engine, propeller, wings, and fuselage. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, while the passenger suffered minor injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed several regulatory and operational discrepancies. Although the aircraft was within its maximum weight limit, it was operating with an improper weight and balance configuration. Specifically, the center of gravity (CG) exceeded the aft limit, primarily due to the presence of an unauthorized passenger.
Furthermore, the investigation identified that the aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness (CA) only authorized a single occupant, yet two people were on board. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was being operated using hydrated ethanol fuel without the required Special Flight Authorization from ANAC. Additionally, the aircraft's ownership transfer had not been officially communicated to the Brazilian Aeronautical Registry (RAB), and the pilot's medical certificate and flight ratings had expired.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating with a center of gravity outside the aft limit.
- The aircraft was carrying an unauthorized passenger, exceeding the occupancy limit specified in its Certificate of Airability.
- The pilot was operating with an expired medical certificate and expired agricultural pilot ratings.
- The aircraft was operating with ethanol fuel without the necessary regulatory authorization.
- The aircraft's ownership transfer had not been legally updated in the national registry.
- Maintenance records for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not up to date.