What happened
On October 8, 2008, at approximately 21:05 UTC, an Embraer EMB-710C, registration PT-NIA, was performing a ferry flight from the National Aviation Aerodrome (SWNV) to Santa Genoveva Airport (SBGO) in Goiânia, Brazil. During the approach to runway 14 at SBGO, the engine lost power and subsequently flamed out. The pilot was forced to perform an emergency landing in a plowed field located approximately two kilometers from the runway threshold. The pilot was uninjured, and the aircraft sustained no damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the engine's propulsion group following the incident. A visual inspection conducted the day after the occurrence revealed that an internal deflector within the engine's exhaust heat shroud (muffler) had detached. This detached component was obstructing the exhaust gas flow. Further analysis showed that the aircraft had been inactive for approximately three years prior to the flight, during which time only sporadic maintenance runs were performed. During this period, neither proper engine storage procedures nor periodic inspections of the exhaust system were implemented. Additionally, the aircraft's Airworthiness Certificate was suspended, and maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not up to date.
Findings
- The engine failure was caused by an obstruction of the exhaust gas flow due to the detachment of the internal deflector.
- The failure of the deflector was the result of corrosion fatigue.
- The lack of proper engine storage procedures and the absence of periodic exhaust system inspections during the three-year period of inactivity allowed corrosion to develop.
- Inadequate maintenance and the failure to follow required inspection intervals contributed to the occurrence.