What happened
On November 5, 2010, a Piper PA-28-235, registered as PT-DSY, departed from the São Félix do Xingu Aerodrome in Pará, Brazil, to perform a local flight for spreading pasture seeds. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and one passenger. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft lost altitude and was unable to maintain its climb. The pilot attempted to return to the runway but was unsuccessful, resulting in a forced landing in an open area approximately 400 meters from the runway.
During the landing sequence, the pilot shut down the engine, and the aircraft struck fence posts on the ground. Following the impact, the aircraft was consumed by fire, leaving it completely destroyed. The pilot and passenger sustained severe injuries due to second and third-degree burns and were treated at a local hospital.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators established that the aircraft was being operated in a highly irregular manner. The aircraft had been modified with seed applicators on the fuselage and a specialized fueling nozzle on the left wingtip without the necessary certification or homologation. Furthermore, the aircraft was carrying 200 liters of gasoline in plastic containers and 300kg of seeds.
Investigators found that the aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness had been canceled since 2000. Additionally, the pilot was flying with both an expired medical certificate and an expired single-engine land rating, both of which had been invalid since 2006. The investigation also noted that the aircraft lacked the required identification plates for the engine and airframe, and evidence suggested these had been removed prior to the accident.
Findings
- The aircraft took off above its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 1,315kg.
- The transport of flammable liquids (gasoline) was performed in violation of safety regulations regarding dangerous goods.
- The aircraft was being operated with an expired Certificate of Airmeability.
- The pilot was operating with expired licenses and medical certification.
- The aircraft had undergone uncertified structural modifications for agricultural use.
- There was a lack of maintenance records, including missing logbooks for the airframe, engine, and propeller.