What happened
On January 1, 2020, at approximately 21:00 UTC, a P56 aircraft, registration PP-ZCG, was attempting a local flight from Aeródromo Monte Verde (SNEJ) in Camanducaia, Minas Gerais. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and one passenger.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The plane initially veered to the right before swinging sharply to the left, striking a perimeter fence at the aerodrome. The aircraft subsequently overturned (nosed over) and came to a rest on a public road adjacent to the runway. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, while both occupants sustained light injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the condition of the airfield and the regulatory status of the operation. It was determined that heavy rainfall the previous day had exacerbated existing irregularities on the dirt runway.
Furthermore, the investigation established that the aerodrome had been removed from the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) registry and had been closed to air traffic since March 5, 2015. The investigation also uncovered significant regulatory non-compliance regarding the pilot's credentials, noting that the pilot's medical certificate had been expired since December 2014 and the single-engine land (MNTE) rating had expired in October 2015.
Findings
- Flight indiscipline
- Pilot judgment
- Use of an unregistered and closed aerodrome
- Operation with expired pilot medical certificate and flight rating
- Poor runway surface conditions due to recent heavy rain