What happened
On February 11, 2015, a Piper PA-25-260, registration PR-SMC, departed from Fazenda Buriti, near Cabecelar, GO, bound for Formosa, GO. The flight was intended to be a repositioning flight operated by Aereo Agricola Santa Maria Ltda-ME.
Due to adverse meteorological conditions, the pilot elected to fly at a very low altitude to remain clear of the weather. During this low-altitude maneuver, the aircraft struck an electrical power line. The impact resulted in a loss of control and a subsequent impact with the ground. The collision caused substantial damage to the aircraft, and a portion of the airframe was consumed by fire. The pilot sustained serious injuries to the face and hands.
The investigation
CENIPA was notified of the occurrence in June 2016 by the local electric utility company, which had reported damage to the power grid. The investigation established that the aircraft and the pilot were not certified for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations, and the flight was conducted below the minimum meteorological requirements for Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
Investigators were unable to contact the pilot involved in the accident. Furthermore, due to the extent of the fire, the aircraft was deemed unrecoverable and was buried by the operator. Consequently, investigators could not verify the aircraft's weight and balance records or the maintenance status of the engine, propeller, and airframe logs. While the pilot's medical certificate and technical ratings were valid, the investigation noted that the operator did not possess the necessary authorization to perform specialized public air services at the time of the accident.
Findings
- Adverse meteorological conditions prevented safe VFR flight.
- Improper flight planning contributed to the accident.
- Flight indiscipline, specifically flying below weather minimums and at dangerously low altitudes, was a contributing factor.
- The operator was operating without the required authorization for air services at the time of the event.