World · Latin America · 2 hrs ago
Cenipa cites rule violations in fatal ultralight crash in São Paulo
Brazil’s Cenipa blamed rule violations for a fatal ultralight crash in February 2024.
The experimental amphibious aircraft fell into the Tietê River near Pereira Barreto, in São Paulo state, about 10 minutes after takeoff.
Pilot Rosivaldo Mendes da Silva, 38, died, and the passenger was seriously injured.
The pilot was not licensed to fly amphibious aircraft, and the flight took place at night despite rules limiting the aircraft to daytime operations.
Investigators also found car parts in the engine and ordinary hoses and insulating tape in the electrical system; the pilot had carried out the maintenance himself.
Investigators could not determine whether maintenance or a mechanical failure caused the crash, because the wreckage was degraded and maintenance records were missing.
The findings highlight how operating outside aviation rules can reduce safety, but the investigation did not establish a single mechanical cause.
Brazil’s Cenipa concluded that failure to follow rules and regulations contributed to a fatal ultralight crash in the Tietê River near Pereira Barreto, São Paulo.
Pilot Rosivaldo Mendes da Silva, 38, died in the February 2024 crash, and the passenger was seriously injured.
The pilot lacked the qualification required to fly the amphibious aircraft, and the flight took place at night despite restrictions on experimental aircraft.
Investigators found non-aviation components and degraded electrical wiring, including the use of ordinary tape, but could not determine whether maintenance or control issues contributed.
The aircraft crashed about 10 minutes after takeoff, after reportedly banking sharply left and descending.
- Who
- Pilot Rosivaldo Mendes da Silva died; a passenger was seriously injured.
- What
- An experimental amphibious ultralight crashed into the Tietê River. Cenipa identified failure to follow rules and regulations as a contributing factor.
- When
- February 2024; the aircraft took off at about 21:50.
- Where
- The Tietê River near Pereira Barreto, in São Paulo state, Brazil.
- Why
- Cenipa cited failure to follow aviation rules. Investigators could not determine whether maintenance or control issues also contributed.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The amphibious experimental aircraft took off from Fazenda São Joaquim airfield in Pereira Barreto for a private flight.
The aircraft reportedly banked sharply left, descended and struck the surface of the Tietê River.
Cenipa published its final report, according to Diário da Região.
Metrópoles reported on the report, which it said was released that Thursday.
- Pilot
- Rosivaldo Mendes da Silva, 38
- Crash site
- Tietê River, Pereira Barreto, São Paulo state
- Takeoff time
- About 21:50
- Aircraft
- Experimental amphibious ultralight, registration PU-SAA
- Reported flight duration before crash
- About 10 minutes
- Cenipa conclusion
- Failure to follow rules and regulations was a contributing factor
3 sources
What people are saying
Inobservância às normas e regulamentos.
Entretanto, ele não possuía a habilitação de AAFA, necessária para a pilotagem da aeronave PU-SAA, que era anfíbia.