Raytheon A36 sustained substantial damage after fence collision during landing attempt

Casualties unknown • MIRASSOL D'OESTE, MT, BR

A pilot's attempt to use a low-angle approach at a private airstrip led to a collision with a perimeter fence, resulting in landing gear damage and an emergency forced landing.

What happened

On February 23, 2021, a Raytheon A36, registration PT-WIY, was performing a private flight from Cuiabá, MT, to Fazenda Santa Alice (SWRW) in Mato Grosso. During the landing attempt at SWRW, the aircraft struck a perimeter wire fence located ahead of runway 18. The impact caused the collapse of the landing gear assembly.

Following the collision, the pilot executed a go-around and initially intended to divert to Cuiabá (SBCY). After performing a low pass at SBCY to confirm the extent of the landing gear damage, the pilot decided to proceed to Poconé (SWPK). The pilot chose SWPK because it was less busy and the unpaved surface was perceived to be safer for the damaged aircraft. The pilot ultimately performed a forced landing on a taxiway area adjacent to the main runway at SWPK. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its lower fuselage, but the pilot remained uninjured.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators examined the pilot's experience and the aircraft's airworthiness. The pilot held valid medical and flight certifications but had limited experience, with only approximately 203 total flight hours and only 3 hours in the A36 model. Notably, only 11 of the pilot's single-engine piston hours were performed without an instructor present.

The investigation also analyzed the landing technique used at SWRW. The pilot had planned a visual approach using a much shallower descent angle than the standard 3-degree glide slope, intending to touch down as close to the threshold as possible to minimize braking distance. Investigators found that this technique increases the risk of undershooting, hitting obstacles, and failing to properly flare the aircraft.

Furthermore, the investigation reviewed the decision-making process regarding the diversion. While the pilot sought a safer landing surface, the decision to divert to an airfield (SWPK) lacking Rescue and Firefighting Services (RFFS) introduced significant risks, such as delayed emergency medical response or fire suppression.

Findings

  • The pilot utilized a low-angle approach technique that increased the risk of obstacle collision.
  • The pilot's decision-making process regarding the diversion to an airfield without emergency services contributed to the risk profile of the event.
  • The pilot's limited experience in the specific aircraft type and single-engine operations was a contributing factor.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a high-risk landing technique involving an abnormally shallow approach angle, which led to a collision with a perimeter fence, compounded by decision-making errors regarding the selection of an airfield lacking emergency infrastructure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2021-02-23 aircraft accident near MIRASSOL D'OESTE, MT, BR?

A pilot's attempt to use a low-angle approach at a private airstrip led to a collision with a perimeter fence, resulting in landing gear damage and an emergency forced landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2021-02-23 involved a aircraft, registration PTWIY, at MIRASSOL D'OESTE, MT, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a high-risk landing technique involving an abnormally shallow approach angle, which led to a collision with a perimeter fence, compounded by decision-making errors regarding the selection of an airfield lacking emergency infrastructure.

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