What happened
On December 30, 2014, a Cessna 210L, registration PT-JCC, was performing a private flight from Santos Dumont Airport (SBRJ) to Pampulha Airport (SBBH). During the flight within the Belo Horizonte terminal area, the pilot requested to divert the destination to Carlos Prates Airport (SBPR), citing technical issues.
While performing the approach for runway 09, the aircraft experienced an engine failure. Because the aircraft was already configured for landing with the landing gear and flaps extended, the glide ratio was significantly reduced. The pilot attempted to glide toward the runway but was unable to reach the threshold. The aircraft struck the ground on the Fernão Dias highway, approximately 20 meters below the runway elevation. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft, though the pilot sustained only minor injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the fuel levels and engine performance following the crash. Although the pilot had reported technical problems, the investigation established that the engine was mechanically operational and showed no signs of mechanical failure. However, evidence indicated the engine was operating with a lean mixture and was not producing power at the moment of impact.
Upon inspection, no fuel was found in the tanks, and no leaks were detected. The investigation determined that the fuel onboard was insufficient to complete the planned flight legs. The aircraft had been fueled with 90 liters of AVGAS for a mission that included a return trip, and while the flight plan estimated four hours of autonomy, the actual fuel remaining was inadequate to account for ground consumption and variables such as headwinds or route deviations.
Findings
- Inadequate flight planning regarding fuel reserves.
- Insufficient pilot experience, as the pilot had only two hours of flight time in this specific model.
- Errors in pilot judgment, specifically the failure to declare an emergency to air traffic control and the decision to proceed with a landing configuration despite the lack of power.
- Fuel exhaustion as the primary cause of the engine power loss.