What happened
On August 6, 2013, a Cessna 172G, registration PT-CQR, departed from the Currais Novos Aerodrome in Rio Grande do Norte, bound for the Aeroclube da Paraíba. During the cruise phase of the flight, the engine experienced a significant loss of power. The pilot initially attempted to reach the Aeródromo de Tabuleiro, but the degraded engine performance prevented the aircraft from reaching the intended destination. Consequently, the pilot executed an emergency landing on an old dirt runway located within the campus of the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB) in Bananeiras, Paraíba. The pilot and the passenger both remained uninjured, and the aircraft sustained no damage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the engine failure and the airworthiness status of the aircraft. Investigators found that the aircraft was being operated with overdue maintenance, as both the 100-hour inspection and the required Special Technical Inspection (VTE) had expired. The aircraft also showed signs of poor general maintenance, including corrosion on the fuel filler necks and the use of non-aviation approved screws on the engine cowling.
While laboratory analysis of the fuel showed that the chemical and physical properties met official standards and no water was present in the tanks, investigators discovered solid residues within the fuel lines. The investigation established that the engine power loss was directly caused by fuel contamination, which led to the obstruction of the fuel delivery system. Following the incident, the fuel system was drained and decontaminated by a certified maintenance company, after which the engine functioned normally.
Findings
- Fuel system contamination causing the obstruction of the fuel lines.
- Inadequate maintenance management, evidenced by the operation of the aircraft with expired inspections.
- Poor general state of aircraft preservation.
- Inadequate material handling and maintenance supervision.