What happened
On March 21, 2006, a Cessna 182P, registration PT-IZG, departed from Boa Vista (SBBV) with a flight plan intended to land at the Pouso da Águia aerodrome in Cantá, RR. Radar data from CINDACTA-4 indicated that shortly after takeoff, the aircraft deviated from its filed flight plan, performing a 90-degree right turn and flying through a restricted airspace without authorization. At 10:43 UTC, approximately five minutes after departure, radar contact was lost. The aircraft was not located during subsequent search efforts; however, the pilot's body was later recovered by authorities and identified by the medical examiner.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation was interrupted due to the presence of evidence suggesting criminal activity and significant violations of aviation regulations. Investigators found that the aircraft's Airworthiness Certificate was suspended due to lack of mandatory insurance, and the pilot was operating with an expired medical certificate. Furthermore, radar analysis confirmed the pilot operated in violation of air traffic rules and entered restricted airspace. The investigation also noted suspicious registration activity for PT-IZA in subsequent years, suggesting the possibility of clandestine operations or aircraft cloning.
Findings
- The pilot operated the aircraft with a medical certificate that had been expired since August 2005.
- The aircraft's Airworthiness Certificate was valid but suspended due to lack of mandatory insurance.
- The pilot deviated from the filed flight plan, violating established air traffic rules.
- The flight path entered restricted airspace without the required authorization.
- Radar contact was lost at low altitude approximately five minutes after takeoff.