What happened
On May 8, 2013, a Mooney M20M, registration PT-ORI, departed from Santo Ângelo Aerodrome (SBNM) bound for Tapes (SSAU). The flight was a ferry mission intended to transport the aircraft to a maintenance facility. On board were the pilot and one passenger.
Approximately six minutes after passing Cruz Alta (SSAK), the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to reach the nearby airfield at Cruz Alta; however, realizing the destination was no longer reachable, the pilot executed an emergency landing in a soybean field. Despite the forced landing, the aircraft sustained no damage, and both occupants escaped without injury.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation focused on the mechanical circumstances of the power loss and the aircraft's maintenance status. Investigators confirmed that the pilot held valid medical and technical certifications and possessed significant flight experience, including 6,500 total flight hours and 45 hours in this specific model. The aircraft was within weight and balance limits and held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness, operating under a Special Flight Authorization valid until June 19, 2013.
However, the investigation revealed that the aircraft's maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were outdated. Specifically, the Annual Maintenance Inspection (IAM) had been overdue since July 30, 2011.
Findings
- Maintenance of the aircraft was identified as a contributing factor to the occurrence.