What happened
On November 2, 2007, a Reims/Cessna FR172H Rocket, registration CS-AHN, departed from the Braga Aerodrome for a local leisure flight. The aircraft was operated by the Aero Clube de Braga and carried a pilot and one passenger. After flying toward the Gerês region, the pilot decided to extend the flight to overfly the city of Braga.
While flying over the city, the pilot performed a 36/0-degree left turn over a local football field. During this maneuver, the pilot became distracted by the scenery and was conversing with the passenger. This lack of focus led to a loss of altitude and a delayed recognition of the approaching terrain. As the aircraft leveled out, the pilot suddenly found the stairs of the Santuário do Sameiro directly ahead.
In an attempt to clear the obstacle, the pilot applied maximum power and pulled back on the control column. However, because the propeller was still set in cruise pitch and the mixture had not been adjusted, the aircraft failed to climb and instead entered a stall. The pilot attempted a left turn to avoid the hillside, but the Cessna 172 struck the tops of eucalyptus trees and descended into the dense forest. Both occupants escaped the two-person flight without injuries, though the aircraft sustained severe damage.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition, the pilot's training, and the environmental factors. The investigation confirmed that the engine and propeller were functioning correctly and that the aircraft had been maintained according to the manufacturer's program. There were no signs of mechanical failure prior to the impact.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's background, noting that while the pilot held a Commercial Pilot License, they had recently completed an ATPL course and had a documented difficulty adhering to cockpit checklists. The investigation also analyzed the flight path in relation to VFR regulations, noting that the aircraft was flying below the required safety altitude for congested areas.