What happened
On January 18, 2018, a Neiva 56-B-1 aircraft, registration PP-HOJ, was conducting a local flight training mission at the Francisco de Assis Aerodrome (SBJF) in Juiz de Fora, Brazil. The flight, operated by Aeroclube de Juiz de Fora, carried an instructor and a student pilot.
After completing two successful traffic circuits, the aircraft attempted its final landing. During the approach, the crew encountered significant turbulence caused by thermal currents and gusty winds. As the aircraft reached the flare, the student pilot reported the right wing lifting, causing the aircraft to lose the runway centerline. The instructor attempted to intervene to initiate a go-around, but the aircraft veered abruptly to the left upon touchdown. The aircraft exited the paved surface, traveled approximately 40 meters, and overturned. Both occupants escaped the wreckage without injury, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the flight conditions, crew qualifications, and the sequence of events leading to the loss of control. The investigation confirmed that both pilots held valid medical certificates and necessary licenses, and the instructor was properly rated for flight instruction. The aircraft was found to be airworthy, within weight and balance limits, and properly maintained.
Investigators analyzed the conflicting accounts regarding command authority during the critical moments of the landing. While the student pilot stated the instructor took control to attempt a go-around, the instructor maintained that the aircraft lost control too rapidly for any effective intervention. The investigation also evaluated the impact of environmental factors, noting that while meteorological conditions were generally favorable, thermal turbulence and crosswinds were present during the landing phase.