What happened
On January 23, 2010, a Cessna 210N, registration PT-OHL, crashed near the threshold of an uncertified airstrip at Fazenda São João in Pontes e Lacerda, Mato Grosso. The aircraft had departed from a nearby farm earlier that day for a short flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
As the pilot entered the landing circuit for runway 29, the aircraft was observed performing a low-altitude downwind leg, positioned approximately 200 meters from the runway and below the height of nearby hills. During the transition from the base leg to the final approach, the pilot executed a steep turn with a bank angle exceeding 60 degrees. This maneuver resulted in a loss of control, causing the aircraft to strike the ground near the runway threshold. The impact ruptured the right wing fuel tank, and a subsequent fire destroyed the aircraft. The pilot sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the flight parameters and the local environment. The investigation noted that the airstrip was not a certified facility, meaning its safety requirements had not been formally evaluated by aviation authorities. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's configuration at the time of impact, noting the landing gear was extended and flaps were set to 20 degrees.
While the lack of flight recorders prevented a definitive conclusion regarding a stall, investigators analyzed the aerodynamic implications of the pilot's maneuvers. They noted that at a 60-degree bank angle, the stall speed for that specific configuration increases significantly compared to level flight. The investigation also looked into the pilot's flight history and the operational procedures used during the approach.
Findings
- Inadequate approach stability: The pilot failed to maintain a stabilized approach, performing the traffic pattern at an altitude lower than recommended and at a distance that necessitated aggressive maneuvering.
- Aggressive maneuvering: The pilot utilized a bank angle of over 60 degrees to align with the final approach, which likely increased the angle of attack and led to an aerodynamic stall.
- Operational non-compliance: The flight involved landing at an uncertified airstrip, contrary to civil aviation regulations, and the pilot did not file a flight plan or establish radio contact with air traffic control.
- Risk acceptance: The pilot's use of a non-homologated runway and a non-standard traffic pattern indicated an acceptance of latent operational risks.