What happened
On August 15, 2003, an EMB-720D, registration PT-RXV, departed from Fazenda Paraíso in Rio Branco, Acre, for a local flight. The flight lasted approximately eight minutes before the pilot initiated a return for landing. During the final approach, the aircraft struck high-voltage power lines located roughly 50 meters from the runway threshold at an altitude of approximately five meters.
The initial impact occurred at the propeller spinner and blades, causing the wires to snap. The recoiling lines then struck the windshield, vertical stabilizer, and horizontal stabilizer, inflicting severe damage to the airframe. Despite the heavy damage, the pilot managed to maintain control and perform a landing. Both occupants of the aircraft survived the event uninjured, though the aircraft was a total loss.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed a pattern of significant regulatory non-compliance and maintenance neglect. The aircraft was operating with an expired Certificate of Airworthiness and lacked required maintenance logs or flight records. Investigators found that routine maintenance was not being performed, noting that fuel and hydraulic hoses were in poor condition and the engine showed signs of severe neglect. Furthermore, the owner had attempted to perform unauthorized repairs on the aircraft, including replacing parts from another aircraft, without notifying the authorities.
The pilot was also found to be operating with expired medical and technical certifications. The investigation noted that the aircraft was being operated from an unregistered, clandestine airstrip and that the pilot's flight discipline had deteriorated due to a lack of oversight and a history of operating in unregulated environments.
Findings
- Deficient Judgment: The pilot failed to maintain an appropriate approach profile, resulting in an excessively low final approach that led to the collision.
- Flight Indiscipline: The operation was characterized by a lack of adherence to aviation regulations, including flying with expired licenses and using an uncertified airfield.
- Inadequate Planning: The flight was conducted despite significant documentation and airworthiness deficiencies.
- Improper Command Application: An inadequate combination of power usage and flight controls caused the aircraft to descend dangerously low during the approach.
- Maintenance Neglect: The aircraft was in an unsafe condition due to expired inspections and poor component preservation.