What happened
On December 29, 2008, an EMB-720D, registration PT-VMQ, operated by Addey Táxi Aéreo Ltda., was performing a passenger transport flight from Valença to Salvador, Brazil. Approximately 20 minutes after takeoff, while cruising at 3,500 feet, the aircraft's engine began experiencing intermittent power loss and significant vibration.
Recognizing the emergency, the pilot identified a suitable landing site at the Aeroclube da Bahia (SNVR) in Vera Cruz. After requesting authorization from Salvador Approach, the pilot executed a successful precautionary landing on the asphalt runway. All five occupants—the pilot and four passengers—were uninjured, and the aircraft sustained no damage during the event.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the mechanical cause of the engine failure and the maintenance history of the aircraft. Maintenance personnel inspected the engine following the incident and identified a failure in the left magneto, specifically involving the capacitor.
Investigators discovered that during the most recent engine overhaul, the magneto inspection required by the maintenance manual had been omitted. Maintenance staff reported that the inspection of this specific component was forgotten. Furthermore, the investigation found that the maintenance facility lacked adequate controls to monitor service execution and failed to provide sufficient supervision to detect the omission.