What happened
On July 11, 2002, a Neiva 56C1 operated by Aeroclube de Piracicaba departed from the Piracicaba Aerodrome (SDPW) for a local instructional flight. The crew, consisting of an instructor and a student, completed one full traffic pattern and performed a go-around. As the aircraft entered the downwind leg and began the descent into the base leg for a subsequent landing attempt, it was suddenly enveloped by heavy fog.
The sudden loss of visibility forced the aircraft into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), despite the aircraft not being equipped for IFR operations. During the maneuver, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled state and struck the ground near the aerodrome. The impact was so severe that the wing detached from the fuselage in flight due to excessive load factors. The aircraft was destroyed, and both occupants perished in the accident.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and meteorological records from nearby stations, including ESALQ-USP. The investigation established that a meteorological phenomenon known as a gust front had moved through the area, bringing sudden wind gusts of up and 23 knots and significantly degrading visibility.
Technical analysis of the wreckage revealed that the wing separation was not a pre-existing structural defect but rather the result of an extreme load factor caused by high airspeed and loss of control. Investigators also noted that the aircraft lacked VHF radio communication and was not certified for flight in IMC. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the operational environment of the flight school, noting a lack of centralized operational supervision to monitor weather-related flight authorizations.