What happened
On April 4, 2010, a Piper PA-31, registration PT-IPO, operated by Addey Táxi Aéreo, departed from Aeródromo Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães (SBSV) in Salvador, Brazil, bound for Lorenzo (SNCL). Approximately nine minutes into the flight, the aircraft's right engine suffered a sudden shutdown. The pilot reported that oil pressure dropped to zero and other engine parameters indicated a significant loss of power.
Following the failure, the pilot coordinated with Salvador Approach (APP-SV) to perform an emergency landing at the Vera Cruz Aeroclube da Bahia (SNRV) airfield. The aircraft landed safely on the island of Itaparica, resulting in light damage to the airframe. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the Lycoming TIO-540-A2C engine, which had accumulated 4,18pt89 hours of total time. The investigation revealed extensive internal damage, including the breakage of the crankshaft, camshaft, lifters, and connecting rods, as well as a rupture of the lower engine block. Laboratory analysis conducted by the Institute of Aeronautics and Space (IAE) determined that the crankshaft failed due to fatigue, while the camshaft failed due to an overload.
Investigators also identified significant gaps in maintenance documentation. The maintenance organization responsible for the engine's last overhaul failed to provide records for inspections and non-destructive testing (NDT) performed on internal components. Furthermore, the lack of part number and serial number documentation for the crankshaft prevented investigators from establishing the traceability or compatibility of the failed components.