Pilot lacked license in fatal Boa Vista plane crash, report finds
An investigation by the Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (Cenipa) has concluded that the pilot of a plane that crashed in Boa Vista on May 6, 2023, lacked the necessary qualifications and license to fly. The report, accessed on May 27, revealed that the pilot did not possess a pilot's license or any form of authorization to operate the aircraft. The accident resulted in the death of 42-year-old public servant Renato Saraiva Costa and serious injuries to two other individuals, who were 28 years old at the time. Costa was a passenger on the flight. The report, finalized in April 2026, also indicated that the pilot's Aeronautical Medical Certificate (CMA) had been expired since October 2019. Furthermore, the pilot lacked the required experience for this specific type of flight, with Cenipa stating the pilot did not meet regulatory requirements and was therefore unqualified. The aircraft, registered as a Private Experimental (PET) category amateur-built plane, was designed for two occupants but carried three people. It is probable that the third person was in an improvised seat. The validity of the aircraft's Airworthiness Verification Certificate (CVA) could not be confirmed. The flight originated from an unregistered aerodrome and was headed for an unregistered landing strip near Lago do Robertinho, with the stated purpose of transporting people. During the approach, the plane collided with the ground and caught fire. Renato Costa was employed by the Center for Hemotherapy and Hematology of Roraima (Hemoraima).
This report highlights a critical failure in regulatory oversight and pilot certification within general aviation. The investigation reveals a chain of non-compliance, including an expired medical certificate, lack of a pilot's license, insufficient experience, and an overloaded aircraft, all contributing to a preventable tragedy. The use of an unregistered aerodrome and landing strip further compounds the systemic issues. Moving forward, enhanced enforcement mechanisms and more rigorous pre-flight checks are essential to prevent similar incidents. The incident underscores the importance of robust aviation safety protocols, particularly for experimental and privately registered aircraft, to ensure public safety and maintain confidence in air travel.
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