What happened
On January 19, 2018, at approximately 18:35 UTC, a Cessna 310, registration PT-JKY, was performing a local flight for the purpose of practicing touch-and-go maneuvers at the Garibaldi Aerodrome (SSGA) in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The flight, operated privately, carried a pilot and one passenger.
During the flight sequence, the pilot attempted an initial landing but aborted the approach because the descent slope appeared too steep. On the second approach attempt, the pilot believed the glide path was satisfactory and reduced power to land on the active runway. However, the aircraft touched the ground approximately ten meters before the runway threshold. This impact caused damage to the landing gear, and the aircraft slid along the runway surface until it came to a complete stop. Both occupants of the aircraft were unharmed.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the flight parameters and the pilot's proficiency. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held valid medical and multi-engine land (MLTE) certifications. The aircraft was within weight and balance limits and possessed a valid Certificate of Airworthiness, although investigators noted that the logbooks for the airframe, engines, and propellers had not been updated.
Regarding the pilot's experience, the investigation revealed that while the pilot was properly rated, they had only thirty minutes of flight time in this specific aircraft model. Meteorological conditions at the time were favorable for flight, with clear visibility and light winds reported at the nearby Caxias do Sul airport.
Findings
- Incorrect pilot judgment regarding the descent trajectory during the second approach.
- Lack of experience in the specific aircraft model, which may have hindered effective piloting judgment.
- Substantial damage to the propellers and the nose landing gear.