What happened
On October 30, 2011, at approximately 19:10 UTC, a Neiva EMB-710C, registration PT-NNW, was performing a ferry flight from an unregistered airstrip in the Augusto area, near Oriximiná, Pará, to Santarém, Pará. About five minutes after takeoff, the engine suffered a sudden loss of power, forcing the pilot to perform an emergency landing in the jungle.
The investigation revealed that the aircraft had been involved in a previous incident on October 23, 2011, when an engine fire occurred during a flight from Piquiatuba to the same unregistered airstrip. Following that fire, the pilot returned to the site to perform unauthorized maintenance, replacing air filters and deflector rubbers. After a 20-minute engine run, the pilot proceeded with the flight to Santarém, which ultimately resulted in the engine failure and subsequent crash.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the sequence of events and the regulatory compliance of the operation. The investigators examined the maintenance history, the legality of the takeoff location, and the pilot's credentials. The investigation was ultimately interrupted because the occurrence resulted from multiple violations of Brazilian aeronautical legislation, meaning further safety recommendations would be ineffective without the strict enforcement of existing regulations.
Findings
- The takeoff was performed from an unregistered airstrip, violating RBHA 91 regulations.
- The pilot performed unauthorized maintenance on the engine components without the required qualifications.
- The aircraft was not approved for return to service by a qualified person following the maintenance performed.
- The pilot's single-engine land airplane rating had been expired since June 2011.
- The aircraft's engine, cell, and propeller logbooks were not up to date.
- The previous engine fire incident had not been reported to the aeronautical investigation authority.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the forced landing, while the pilot sustained light injuries.