What happened
On February 19, 1996, a Cessna T210L, registration PT-KCC, departed from the uncertified Molocopote airstrip in Pará, Brazil, bound for Piquiatuba. The aircraft was performing a cargo and passenger flight, transporting four passengers and mining supplies. While flying near Cachoeira das Onças, the engine began to malfunction and subsequently suffered a sudden complete failure.
The pilot attempted an emergency landing in the dense jungle. The aircraft struck trees approximately 35 meters tall before impacting the ground. The impact left the aircraft on its back, heavily destroyed. Of the five people on board, the pilot and three passengers died at the scene. One passenger survived with a severe double fracture to the femur.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the mechanical state of the aircraft and the recent operational history of the crew. Investigators noted that the aircraft had been previously seized by authorities due to involvement in illegal activities and had significant documentation irregularities, including an unapproved propeller installation and issues with weight and balance records.
Evidence suggested that approximately ten days prior to the accident, the aircraft had performed a gear-up landing at the Crepurizamente airstrip. Reports indicated that while the propeller was replaced following that incident, no comprehensive inspection of the engine was performed. Furthermore, the engine's logbooks were found to be outdated. Because the aircraft was not inspected following the crash, the specific mechanical cause of the engine failure—whether related to ignition, fuel, or mechanical components—could not be definitively determined.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating with only a single seat for the pilot, despite carrying four passengers.
- The takeoff occurred from an uncertified mining airstrip.
- The engine failure was the primary cause of the loss of flight capability.
- There was evidence of potential inadequate maintenance or poor judgment regarding the engine's condition following a previous landing incident.
- The dense canopy of the rainforest significantly hindered search and rescue efforts.