What happened
On November 7, 2008, a Cessna 210N, registration PT-OMX, departed from Porto Nacional, TO, to conduct a survey of the TO 255 highway. The flight was intended to monitor road construction progress on a section connecting Ponte Alta do Tocantins and Mateiros. On board were the pilot and two passengers, including the aircraft owner and a high-ranking official from the state road department.
During the climb to flight level 065, the pilot experienced a sudden power fluctuation. Although the engine appeared to recover after emergency procedures were applied, a second, more severe engine failure occurred approximately five minutes later. Unable to maintain flight, the pilot attempted an emergency landing on a compacted dirt section of the TO 255 highway. Upon touchdown, the aircraft veered left, causing the nose gear to dig into the sand at the edge of the road. This impact caused the nose gear to collapse and the aircraft to capsize, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. The three occupants sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the engine components in Goiânia, where the ignition and fuel systems were thoroughly tested. The investigation found that all internal engine components, as well as the ignition and fuel delivery systems, were in perfect working order and showed no irregularities that could have caused the reported failure. Furthermore, fuel quality tests from the previous refueling were cleared, and the aircraft had sufficient fuel for the mission.
The investigation also focused on the landing technique and the legality of the landing site. Investigators noted that the landing was likely attempted with a tailwind. The physical evidence, including a deep mark in the center of the road, suggested that an improper application of controls during the landing attempt led to the nose gear failure. Additionally, the investigators considered the possibility that the landing on the highway was intentional, noting that the presence of influential passengers might have created pressure on the pilot to land on the road, which would violate Brazilian aviation regulations regarding the use of non-approved aerodromes.
Findings
- Inadequate pilot judgment regarding the risks of landing on a highway.
- Potential interpersonal pressures influencing the decision-making process during the emergency.
- Improper application of flight controls during the landing attempt, leading to the nose gear collapse.
- The engine and its critical systems were found to be in good operational condition, ruling out mechanical failure as the primary cause of the power loss.