What happened
On January 31, 2022, a TBM700N, registration PP-INQ, was performing a private flight from Formosa do Rio Preto to Piquet Aerodrome in Brasília. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and four passengers. During the final approach to runway 28, the aircraft encountered meteorological instability and wind gusts of up to 25 knots.
While attempting a go-around at a low altitude, the aircraft drifted to the left of the runway centerline. The aircraft touched down on a grassy area to the left of the runway and subsequently struck vegetation before coming to a stop in a dense forest area. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the engine, wings, landing gear, and fairings. All five occupants escaped without injury.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the aircraft's stability during the approach and the pilot's response to environmental changes. Investigators analyzed flight data from the aircraft's avionics, which confirmed that the aircraft's heading remained to the right of the runway heading and noted a period of lateral bank variation and negative pitch just before the go-around, likely caused by a wind gust.
The investigation examined the pilot's use of flight controls, specifically the interaction between the rudder and the aircraft's unique spoileron system. It was noted that the pilot used heavy rudder input to correct for lateral deviation, attempting to avoid a loss of lift that he believed would occur with aileron input. However, the investigation established that the aircraft's mechanical coupling means rudder input can also activate the spoilers. Furthermore, the investigation evaluated the impact of engine torque and P-factor during the application of maximum power during the go-around, which likely contributed to the leftward deviation.
Findings
- Adverse meteorological conditions: The presence of instability and wind gusts in the region affected the aircraft's stability during short final.
- Improper handling of flight controls: The pilot failed to effectively neutralize the aircraft's rolling tendency during the go-around maneuver.
- Inadequate piloting judgment: The pilot's decision to use rudder instead of aileron was based on a misunderstanding of the aircraft's control characteristics.
- Delayed decision-making: The decision to continue the approach despite the weather, followed by a delayed execution of the go-around procedure during a critical phase, contributed to the loss of control.