What happened
On October 11, 2018, a Paradise P1 aircraft, registration PU-OLC, departed from the Fly Club Aerodrome in Porto Seguro, Bahia, for a local flight near the Jequitinhonha River. The flight was carrying a pilot and two passengers.
Approximately fifteen minutes into the flight, while cruising at 2,500 feet, the pilot observed a low engine oil pressure warning light. In response to the engine malfunction, the pilot initiated a descent and performed a precautionary landing in a plowed field at Fazenda Brejinho, located in Belmonte, Bahia. During the landing maneuver, the aircraft's landing gear collapsed, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe.
While the pilot escaped without injury, the two passengers sustained light injuries, including abrasions and impacts to the head and chest.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by SERIPA II, confirmed that the pilot was properly qualified with valid commercial licenses and a current medical certificate. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were favorable for visual flight rules.
Investigators identified several regulatory and technical discrepancies regarding the aircraft. Although the aircraft's flight authorization (CAVE) listed a corporate entity as the operator, the experimental marks certificate (CME) listed a private individual. Furthermore, while the aircraft's registration indicated a maximum capacity of two people, there were three individuals on board at the time of the impact. Additionally, the investigation noted that the aircraft was equipped with a Rotax 912 ULS engine which, according to the parts catalogue, was not certified for aeronautical use.
Findings
- The engine experienced a low oil pressure failure during flight.
- The aircraft was operating with an occupancy of three people, exceeding its registered capacity of two.
- There was a discrepancy between the registered operator on the flight authorization and the experimental marks certificate.
- The engine installed on the aircraft was not certified for aeronautical use.