What happened
On January 27, 1996, a Cessna 182N, registration PT-DUR, departed from Porto Velho, Rondônia, bound for Lábre for a cargo and passenger flight. The aircraft was transporting one passenger and a load of frozen poultry. Approximately thirty miles from Porto Velho, the pilot notified air traffic control of an engine failure and declared an intention to perform an emergency landing in the forest.
During the attempt to land in the dense Amazonian jungle, the aircraft struck trees at an approximately 5-degree nose-down angle before impacting the ground at a 45-degree angle. The impact resulted in the deaths of both occupants and the total destruction of the aircraft. Evidence suggested that the unsecured cargo may have shifted during the impact, exacerbating the injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators faced significant challenges due to the dense vegetation, which prevented the recovery of the engine for detailed examination. However, the investigation established that the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was suspended and its annual maintenance inspection (IAM) was overdue. Witnesses had previously reported oil and fuel leaks from the aircraft.
Further examination of the operational aspects revealed that the aircraft was operating significantly overweight, exceeding its maximum takeoff weight by approximately 150 kg. Additionally, the aircraft was being used for commercial purposes despite the pilot only holding a private pilot license. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was not certified for cargo transport and the load was likely inadequately secured.
Findings
- Deficient maintenance: The aircraft was flying with an expired annual inspection and lacked proper maintenance records for the engine, propeller, and airframe.
- Inadequate planning: The flight was conducted with an excess weight of 150 kg and involved unauthorized cargo transport.
- Human factors: The pilot's decision-making was compromised by financial pressures related to the recent purchase of the aircraft, leading to the disregard of established safety margins and regulatory requirements.
- Flight indiscipline: The pilot operated the aircraft in violation of aeronautical regulations and the aircraft's operating manual.