What happened
On March 9, 2014, a Robinson R4CO R44, registration PT-YAR, was conducting a ferry flight from Teruel Ipanema Estância (SSIE) in Mato Grosso do Sul to Guarulhos (SBGR) in São Paulo. The flight plan included intermediate stops at Dracena (SDDR) and Adamantina (SDAD).
While approaching the Marília Aerodrome (SBML) in São Paulo, the pilot observed a low fuel level warning light. In response to the alert, the pilot executed a precautionary landing at the Marília airfield. Upon being approached by airport personnel, the pilot confirmed that the emergency landing was necessitated by the low fuel state, though the pilot had not notified air traffic control of the situation prior to landing.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the pilot held valid medical and technical certifications, with 1,300 total flight hours, including 300 hours on the R44 model. The aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid, and all maintenance logs for the engine, cell, and rotors were up to date. Meteorological conditions at the time were favorable for visual flight rules (VFR).
Investigators noted that the occurrence was reported by the São Paulo State Aeroviary Department (DAESP) two weeks after the event, which prevented a direct physical inspection of the aircraft's condition at the time of the incident. Following the landing, the aircraft was refueled and continued to its destination without further incident. There were no injuries to the pilot or passengers, and no damage was reported to the aircraft.
Findings
- Inadequate flight planning regarding fuel reserves.
- Pilot judgment regarding fuel management and communication with air traffic control.