What happened
On May 6, 2009, at approximately 12:45 UTC, a Piper PA-18-135, registration PT-ARR, crashed into a corn plantation at Fazenda Boa Vista, near Jataí, Goiás. The aircraft had departed from the Jataí Aerodrome (SWJW) at 12:30 UTC to perform agricultural spraying operations. Roughly fifteen minutes into the flight, the aircraft lost control and struck the ground, subsequently catching fire. The impact resulted in the fatal injury of the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by SERIPA VI, focused on the regulatory and operational status of the flight. Investigators examined the pilot's credentials, the aircraft's maintenance records, and the legality of the operation. The investigation was eventually interrupted because the occurrence was characterized by widespread violations of existing aeronautical legislation, meaning that safety recommendations would simply consist of enforcing existing laws.
Findings
- The pilot was operating with an expired medical certificate.
- The pilot's single-engine land (MNTE) rating was expired.
- The pilot lacked the required agricultural pilot (PAGA) rating.
- The aircraft's annual maintenance inspection (IAM) was overdue.
- The aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness (CA) had expired.
- The aircraft was registered for private services (TPP) but was being used for specialized aerial services (SAE).
- The operation was conducted in total non-compliance with aeronautical regulations.