What happened
On January 5, 2004, at approximately 16:00 local time, a PA 25-235 was performing agricultural spraying operations over a field in Jacuizinho, Rio Grande do Sul. During the fifth pass over the area, while flying in straight and level flight, the pilot attempted to apply power, but the engine failed to respond.
As a result of the power loss, the aircraft lost altitude and struck the ground in a slightly nose-down attitude. The impact occurred within the cultivated area, and the aircraft subsequently struck a ditch at the edge of the field. A fire broke out following the collision, primarily originating in the wings. The pilot managed to egress the aircraft before the flames spread, but sustained severe injuries, including a fractured arm and abrasions. The aircraft was destroyed and considered a total loss.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the engine's failure and the maintenance history of the aircraft. While a teardown analysis of the Lycoming O-540 engine was performed, the extreme damage caused by the post-impact fire prevented investigators from identifying a specific internal mechanical failure.
Investigators examined the maintenance records of the operator, Brisa Aviação Agrícola Ltda, and found significant discrepancies. The 50-hour inspection required for the aircraft had not been performed, and there were inconsistencies between the flight hours reported by the pilot and the logs maintained by the company. Furthermore, the aircraft's logbooks for the engine and airframe were not correctly updated or maintained.
Findings
- Maintenance failures: The operator failed to perform a required 50-hour inspection and lacked adequate oversight of maintenance schedules.
- Inaccurate record-keeping: Discrepancies existed between the actual flight hours and the operator's records, and the aircraft's logbooks were improperly completed.
- Operational context: The pilot had relatively limited experience in agricultural spraying, with only approximately 40 hours of experience in this specific type of operation.
- Engine failure: The primary cause of the accident was the loss of engine power during a flight pass, which led to the uncontrolled descent.