What happened
On April 20, 2012, a Cessna T206H, registration PR-CRR, departed from Macapá Airport (SBMQ) for a passenger transport flight to Santarém (SBSN). Approximately two minutes after takeoff, the pilot established radio contact to report a technical problem, after which all communication was lost.
The aircraft was subsequently located in a thicket approximately 7 km from the departure airport. The impact with trees and a subsequent post-impact fire resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. Both the pilot and the passenger perished in the accident.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the mechanical state of the engine and the environmental conditions at the time of the flight. Investigators found that the aircraft was operating in adverse meteorological conditions, characterized by low cloud ceilings, light rain, and the presence of thunderstorms in the area. Although the airport was operating under VFR, the weather conditions near the crash site were below VFR limits.
Technical examination of the engine revealed that a retaining ring (P/N STD-1737) and a spacing washer (P/N 70474) were missing from the gear train responsible for activating engine accessories. The investigation established that the absence of the retaining ring caused gear misalignment, which rendered the mechanical fuel pump inoperable, leading to an interruption of engine fuel supply.
Findings
- The engine failure was caused by the misalignment of gears due to a missing retaining ring and spacing washer.
- The pilot's decision-making was a contributing factor, as the flight was conducted at night under deteriorating weather conditions without the pilot holding an IFR rating.
- Potential pilot disorientation due to degraded visual conditions was noted.
- The pilot's lack of recent flight training and emergency procedure practice may have hindered the management of the fuel pump failure.
- There was a possibility that the mechanical failure originated from a manufacturing or assembly error regarding the engine components.