History of the Flight
The aircraft, a Piper PA-36-375 (Brave) registered CS-AZU, was dispatched from Garrocheira (Benavente) to Porto Alto airstrip (also known as Samora Correia Agricultural Strip) to perform a chemical weeding mission. Based on pre-departure wind information (northeast at 6–10 knots), the pilot maneuvered to land on runway 08. He touched down approximately 50 meters from the runway threshold, slightly left of the centerline. Shortly after, the left wing caught on dry bushes along the edge of the strip. The pilot applied brakes and directional control inputs but was unable to maintain the aircraft on the runway. The aircraft exited the runway, crossed a drainage ditch, climbed an embankment, struck the propeller on the ground, rotated to the left, and came to rest facing north, about 280 meters from the start of the runway, having traveled approximately 230 meters.
Injuries
The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained significant damage: all propeller blades were bent at about two-thirds from the root; the engine cowling, underside of the fuselage, right main landing gear leg (separated), and tail wheel (torn off) were damaged; the right wing tip was destroyed; the rudder was damaged; and the dispersal system was damaged along the trailing edge of the wing and at the wind-driven pump.
Other Damage
No damage to third parties.
Pilot Information
The pilot was male, 54 years old, holder of a Commercial Pilot License (A) issued on 21 April 2004, valid until 21 April 2009. He was qualified for single-engine piston aircraft and agricultural operations. His total flight experience was 3,137 hours and 40 minutes, with 31 hours in the 90 days prior to the accident. He held a valid medical certificate with a restriction to wear corrective lenses.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-36-375 (Brave), serial number 36-8302015, manufactured in 1983. It was a single-engine, low-wing monoplane with fixed conventional landing gear, designed for agricultural operations. The engine was an Avco-Lycoming IO-720-D1CD (375 hp), and the propeller was a Hartzell three-blade constant-speed model HC-C3YR-1RF. The maximum takeoff mass was 2,174.4 kg; the estimated takeoff mass at the time of the accident was 1,489 kg, well below the limit. Weight and balance were within permitted limits.
Meteorological Information
The pilot reported good weather: wind from the northeast at 5–10 knots, good visibility, and clear skies.
Aerodrome Information
The Samora Correia airstrip (Porto Alto) is a dirt runway oriented 080°/260° magnetic, measuring 500 × 20 meters. It is used primarily by light aircraft for agricultural work. The runway has no markings or windsock. The threshold of runway 08 has a wooden shack and water pumps; an irrigation ditch about 2 meters deep crosses the approach area. Along the left side of the runway is an embankment bordering the Ribeira de Santo stream, and a drainage ditch runs along the right side.
Wreckage Examination
The wreckage was concentrated in one area. The right main landing gear leg was found separated about 5 meters from the fuselage, and the tail wheel was about 50 cm from its normal position. No other structural separation occurred.
Tests and Research
Examination confirmed that the aircraft and all its systems were in perfect working order at the time of the occurrence and did not contribute to the accident. Maintenance records showed compliance with manufacturer and regulatory requirements.
Organization and Management
The aircraft was owned and operated by AVITRATA – Sociedade de Tratamentos Fitossanitários Aéreos, Lda., based at Garrocheira Aerodrome, Benavente. The operator held a valid Aerial Work Operator Certificate.