What happened
On March 24, 2001, a Cessna C-170B, registration PT-BKP, departed from Jacarepaguá Airport (SBJR) in Rio de Janeiro to perform an aerial advertising mission involving banner towing along the city's beaches. During the mission, the pilot attempted the "fishing" maneuver, a procedure used to pick up the banner from the ground. After passing the designated engagement point, the pilot executed an aggressive pitch-up maneuver and a left-hand turn. This sequence caused the aircraft to enter an aerodynamic stall at a low altitude. The aircraft lost control and collided with the ground near the runway's side escape area, resulting in one fatality and severe damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the pilot's experience and the aircraft's performance during the high-risk maneuver. Investigators found that while the pilot was experienced in banner towing, they had not been adapted to the specific handling characteristics of the C-170B equipped with a 160HP Lycoming engine. The pilot had previously operated more powerful models, such as the C-180 and C-182, which likely influenced the excessive control inputs. The investigation also examined the operator, Fly Propaganda Aérea Ltda, finding that the pilot was hired for this specific flight rather than being a permanent employee, and the company lacked a formal pilot adaptation program for this aircraft type. Maintenance records for the C-170B were found to be adequate, and the engine was functioning normally at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The pilot's lack of familiarity with the C-170B led to inadequate control inputs, specifically an excessive pitch-up command.
- The pilot's previous experience with more powerful aircraft likely induced a use of control magnitude that exceeded the flight envelope of the current aircraft.
- A reduction in situational awareness occurred as the pilot focused on looking backward and downward to verify the banner engagement.
- The operator failed to provide a pilot adaptation program for the specific aircraft model being used.
- The high-risk nature of the "fishing" maneuver, combined with the lack of aircraft-specific training, contributed to the loss of control.