Agricultural Aircraft Forced Landing in São Paulo Following Perceived Power Loss

Casualties unknown • PIRACICABA, SP, BR

A Cessna A188B agricultural aircraft performed a forced landing in an orange grove after the pilot reported a loss of engine power during the takeoff climb.

What happened

On January 21, 2019, a Cessna A188B agricultural aircraft, registration PT-WGL, was performing crop dusting operations at the Fazenda Redenção Aerodrome in Piracicaba, São Paulo. After completing a series of applications, the pilot landed to refuel and reload agricultural products.

During the subsequent takeoff, while the aircraft was in the second segment of the climb, the pilot experienced what was perceived as a loss of engine power. In response to the emergency, the pilot jettisoned the agricultural load and executed a left-hand turn to perform a forced landing. The aircraft struck a line of orange trees before impacting the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. The pilot escaped the wreckage uninjured.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators examined the engine, propeller, and fuel systems to identify the cause of the reported power loss. Analysis of the Continental IO-550-D engine, including bench testing of the fuel pump and inspection of the cylinders and pistons, revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions. The fuel samples were found to be within standard specifications, and while the engine oil showed a slightly higher viscosity than recommended, investigators determined this was not sufficient to cause a loss of power.

Physical evidence from the wreckage, specifically the deformation of the propeller blades and helical scratches on the spinner, indicated that the engine was producing significant power at the moment of impact. Furthermore, the investigation found that the aircraft's maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not up to date due to a lack of monthly usage tracking.

Findings

  • The pilot was properly licensed, qualified, and medically certified for the operation.
  • The aircraft was within weight and balance limits and held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness.
  • The engine and propeller components showed no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction.
  • The pilot's perception of power loss may have been a failure to recognize low performance during a takeoff attempt that exceeded the aircraft's operational envelope.
  • The investigation noted a potential reduction in situational awareness, common in repetitive agricultural flight cycles, which may have led to an inadequate assessment of operational parameters.

Probable cause

The investigation could not confirm a mechanical engine failure; instead, it suggested that the pilot's perception of power loss might have been caused by an inadequate assessment of flight parameters, leading to a takeoff attempt outside the aircraft's performance envelope.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2019-01-21 aircraft accident near PIRACICABA, SP, BR?

A Cessna A188B agricultural aircraft performed a forced landing in an orange grove after the pilot reported a loss of engine power during the takeoff climb.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2019-01-21 involved a aircraft, registration PTWGL, at PIRACICABA, SP, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The investigation could not confirm a mechanical engine failure; instead, it suggested that the pilot's perception of power loss might have been caused by an inadequate assessment of flight parameters, leading to a takeoff attempt outside the aircraft's performance envelope.

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