Casualties unknown

1974-07-20: (PTBVI) — RIO PARDO DE MINAS, MG, BR

RIO PARDO DE MINAS, MG, BR

On July 20, 1974, an aircraft (registration PTBVI) was involved in an aviation accident near RIO PARDO DE MINAS, MG, BR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Deficient aircraft operation by the pilot. This summary draws on records from the Brazilian Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA).

Sourcesthe Brazilian Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA)Primary reportUpdated 1785090186Data APIEditorial standards

On 20 July 1974, an aircraft operated by Mario Queiroz Ferreira crashed during a low-altitude flight near Rio Pardo de Minas, Brazil. All six occupants died and the aircraft was destroyed. The investigation concluded a loss of control in flight, likely a spin, due to deficient aircraft operation.

History of the Accident

The aircraft was conducting a low-altitude flight to show a region to businessmen interested in reforestation. For an unknown reason, it crashed into the ground and caught fire. All six occupants (pilot and five passengers) died at the scene. The aircraft was irreparably damaged.

Investigation Findings

Human Factors

The pilot held a valid medical certificate, and no physiological factors were indicated. Witnesses reported that on the day before the accident, the pilot appeared anxious and nervous.

Material Factors

No investigation into material factors was conducted.

Operational Factors

  • Maintenance: Not investigated.
  • Instruction: Not investigated.
  • Flight Experience: The pilot held a Commercial Pilot License No. 1867, suggesting sufficient experience for the flight, though exact flight hours were not determined.
  • Meteorology: Did not influence the accident.
  • Infrastructure: Did not influence.
  • Navigation: Did not influence.
  • Communications: Did not influence.
  • Weight and Balance: Did not influence.
  • Operational Norms: Did not influence.
  • Legislation: Did not influence.
  • Firefighting and First Aid: Nonexistent and necessary.

Analysis

Based on available data and circumstances, the impact was the result of a loss of control in flight, exhibiting characteristics of a right spin. However, due to a lack of evidence and the limited nature of witness statements, the reasons for the pilot losing control could not be determined. Evidence suggested that the right engine might have been feathered, but this alone was not sufficient to cause the accident. It was conjectured that given the low-altitude, low-speed mission, a failure of the right engine could lead to a stall or spin. The pilot might have been focused on recovery and unable to feather the engine in time. Alternatively, the pilot might have partially regained control near the ground but then attempted to feather the engine, losing control again. The analysis was hampered by lack of evidence and relied largely on a single witness and the wreckage distribution.

Conclusion

Factors that contributed to the accident:

  • Human Factor: Not investigated from a physiological standpoint.
  • Material Factor: Not investigated.
  • Operational Factor: Deficient aircraft operation.

Consequences

  • Personnel: The pilot and five passengers died at the accident site.
  • Material: The aircraft was irrecoverable.
  • Third Parties: None.

Recommendations

The report recommended that pilots executing low-altitude missions should exercise heightened attention regarding stall speed for the configuration, loss of control due to engine failure, potential forced landing areas, natural terrain obstacles, and aircraft limitations.

Probable cause

Deficient aircraft operation by the pilot.