What happened
On February 1, 1993, a Cessna 170 A, registration PP-DXR, operated by Visual Propaganda Aérea Ltda., was performing a banner-towing mission along the coast near Guaratuba, Paraná. After approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes of flight, the pilot encountered strong orographic turbulence near a hill. In an attempt to stabilize the aircraft, the pilot applied power and initiated a left turn. Shortly thereafter, the engine failed to respond, leading to a loss of power.
Recognizing the emergency, the pilot attempted a forced landing on a street near the beach. However, during the emergency procedure, the pilot failed to release the advertising banner. The aircraft was unable to reach the intended landing site and ultimately collided with a tree and the wall of a residence, causing significant damage to the structure and the aircraft. The pilot sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the cause of the engine failure and the pilot's execution of emergency procedures. Investigators examined the engine and found a failure in the fuel system, though they could not definitively determine if the cause was a carburetor malfunction or a lack of fuel in the lines or tank. While the right tank contained fuel, the left tank was too damaged to verify its contents.
The investigation also reviewed the flight parameters, noting that the aircraft was flying at 400 feet, which was below the 500-foot minimum altitude required for VFR operations in that area. The pilot's experience was noted as significant, with 2,700 total flight hours and 1,200 hours in this specific model.
Findings
- Failure to release the banner: The pilot's omission of the banner release procedure during the emergency was a contributing factor to the unsuccessful landing.
- Fuel system failure: An undetermined failure in the fuel system caused the loss of engine power.
- Environmental factors: Orographic winds near the hill likely created turbulence that complicated the pilot's judgment and the aircraft's stability.
- Operational altitude: The aircraft was operating below the prescribed minimum altitude for visual flight rules.
- Inadequate planning: A lack of thorough analysis regarding the impact of local wind conditions may have hindered the pilot's ability to manage the forced landing.