What happened
On October 5, 1999, a Piper PA-28R-200, registration PT-CAK, was performing a private flight when the engine experienced a failure. The pilot attempted an emergency landing on a dirt access road near Estrada da Lagoinha, in Aparecida do Taboado, Mato Grosso do Sul. During the forced landing, the aircraft collided with a steel cable supporting an electric pole and struck a barbed-wire fence. There were two occupants on board, both of whom survived the impact.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed significant regulatory violations and criminal elements surrounding the flight. The pilot was operating the aircraft without a valid license or pilot certification. Furthermore, the investigation established that the aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness had been canceled, and the maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were outdated, with inspections found to be non-periodic and inadequate.
Local witnesses reported that the road was occasionally used for unauthorized aircraft landings to deliver packages to waiting individuals. Additionally, the investigation noted that the occupants returned to the crash site and moved debris without authorization from the aeronautical investigation authority. Law enforcement authorities also indicated that the occupants were arrested due to suspected involvement in drug trafficking and the transport of illicit goods.
Findings
- The pilot was operating the aircraft without a valid license.
- The PT-CAK was flying with a canceled Certificate of Airworthiness.
- Maintenance records for the airframe, engine, and propeller were outdated and non-compliant with inspection requirements.
- The aircraft was being operated in violation of aeronautical regulations.
- The crash site debris was tampered with by the occupants prior to official investigation.
- There was evidence of suspected illegal cargo transport and criminal activity involving the occupants.