What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-09-05 involved a aircraft, registration PTIBT, at MAUÉS, AM, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was caused by the pilot departing with the fuel selector in the closed position, a mistake facilitated by rushed procedures and the lack of adequate lighting at the departure aerodrome.

Engine failure leads to emergency water landing in Amazonas

A Cessna 182P experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff during a night flight in Maués, Brazil, resulting in an emergency landing in a river.

What happened

On the night of September 5, 2004, a Cessna 182P, registration PT-IBT, departed from the Maués aerodrome in Amazonas, Brazil, at approximately 22:45. The pilot intended to perform low-altitude passes over a local summer festival at Praia da Maresia before proceeding to Manaus. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft suffered an engine failure. The pilot was forced to perform an emergency landing in the water near the banks of the Maués Açú River. The aircraft became partially submerged, sustaining damage to the engine, fuselage, landing gear, horizontal stabilizer, and the right wing components, including the flaps and aileron. The propeller assembly also suffered significant damage. The pilot sustained minor injuries and was able to abandon the aircraft without assistance.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft and the operational circumstances of the flight. Although the aircraft's maintenance records were up to date and the engine was within its service limits, investigators found that there was no fuel in the engine's fuel distribution line, even though fuel remained in the tanks. The investigation revealed that the fuel selector was in the "closed" position and the magneto switch was set to the "right" magneto.

The investigation also noted that the departure aerodrome was not certified for night operations, as it lacked runway lighting, an aerodrome beacon, and a lighted wind direction indicator. Furthermore, the pilot lacked IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) qualification and the aircraft was not certified for IFR operations. Witnesses reported that the pilot had arrived at the airfield very quickly after visiting a local bar, and there were observations of potential alcohol consumption, although no blood tests were performed.

Findings

The primary cause of the engine failure was that the fuel selector was left in the closed position during takeoff.
The pilot's rushed preparation, likely due to the lack of adequate lighting at the aerodrome, prevented a proper checklist verification.
The pilot's decision-making was compromised by an inadequate assessment of the risks associated with performing a night flight from an uncertified aerodrome.
The lack of airfield lighting contributed to the pilot's inability to properly verify the position of the fuel selector and other cockpit controls.
The pilot's flight planning was inadequate, as he attempted a night operation without the necessary IFR certification or an aircraft certified for such conditions.