What happened
On January 23, 2016, a Piper PA-25-235 agricultural aircraft, registration PP-CTD, was performing a local training flight at Fazenda Nova Canaã in Varjão de Minas, MG. The aircraft, operated by Caju Aviação Agrícola Ltda-Me, was conducting maneuvers with a hopper filled with water to familiarize the pilot with the area intended for pesticide spraying.
During the fifth takeoff attempt of the day, the pilot attempted to maneuver the aircraft to avoid holes and uneven surfaces on the unpaved, seasonal runway. In the process of avoiding a depression on the right side of the runway, the pilot steered too far to the left, causing the left wing to strike a sugarcane plantation bordering the strip. The impact with the sugarcane stalks caused the pilot to lose control of the aircraft. The plane subsequently skidded through a sandy area and came to a stop deep within the plantation, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, landing gear, engine, and propeller. The pilot was uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators determined that recent heavy rainfall in the region had significantly degraded the condition of the unpaved runway, creating sandy patches and potholes. The runway, which also serves as a path for ground vehicles, had been further compromised by land traffic.
Analysis of the impact site revealed that the left wing had struck and cut through sugarcane stalks, which likely caused the sudden noise reported by the pilot and the subsequent loss of control. While the investigation found that the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid and the aircraft was within weight and balance limits, it was noted that the maintenance logs for the engine, propeller, and airframe were not up to date.
Findings
- The pilot's flight qualifications and medical certificate were valid.
- Recent heavy rains and vehicle traffic had left the runway in poor condition with significant irregularities.
- Improper pilot judgment regarding the necessary lateral deviation to avoid runway depressions led to the wing striking the adjacent crops.
- Contributing factors included flight planning, control inputs, and management supervision.