What happened
On February 5, 1998, a Cessna 182P, registration PT-JBF, was performing a passenger transport flight from Matupá, Mato Grosso, to Fazenda Mestiço, in Itaquiraí, Mato Grosso do Sul. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and five passengers, all of whom were rural workers. During the flight, the aircraft made two refueling stops in Primavera D’Oeste and Campo Grande.
As the aircraft was on final approach to the uncertified landing strip at Fazenda Mestiço, the landing gear struck three low-voltage power lines positioned approximately 10 meters above the ground. Following the collision, the aircraft struck the ground perpendicularly, roughly 100 meters from the runway threshold, and underwent a longitudinal roll. The impact resulted in two fatalities (the pilot and one passenger) and four serious injuries among the remaining passengers. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the approach and the operational legality of the flight. Investigators found that the landing strip at Fazenda Mestiço was an uncertified, private, and unregistered airstrip. While the pilot had previously operated at this location, the low-voltage power lines had been recently installed near the runway threshold without the pilot's knowledge.
Technical inspections of the engine and propeller revealed that the powerplant was functioning normally at the moment of impact. However, the investigation uncovered significant regulatory non-compliance. The pilot was operating with an expired pilot license (CHT) and an expired medical certificate (CCF). Furthermore, the Cessna 182P was flying with an expired Certificate of Airworthiness. The investigation also noted that the pilot had removed two seats from the cabin to accommodate the extra passengers.
Findings
- Deficient Infrastructure: The presence of unshielded, low-voltage power lines at the end of the runway presented a significant obstacle during the final approach.
- Flight Indiscipline: The pilot intentionally bypassed civil aviation regulations by operating at an unauthorized airstrip and flying with expired personal and aircraft certifications.
- Deficient Planning: The flight was planned for a destination lacking adequate aeronautical infrastructure and safety oversight.
- Situational Awareness: The pilot likely relied on prior knowledge of the airfield, failing to identify the new obstacles due to the thin, unmarked nature of the wires.