What happened
On February 6, 2016, at approximately 10:00 UTC, a Cessna A188A agricultural aircraft, registration PT-DZA, was performing its first flight of the day for urea application near Toropi, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft was operating from an improvised grass runway at the Josemar Rossi farm.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot attempted to take off using 20° flaps. However, the pilot realized there was insufficient runway remaining and attempted to abort the procedure. During the deceleration, the pilot was reportedly blinded by the sun, which compromised the ability to monitor runway parameters and speed. The aircraft could not be stopped within the remaining distance of the 430-meter runway, overrunning the end of the strip. The landing gear struck a contour line in an adjacent rice field, and the propeller subsequently struck the ground until the aircraft came to a complete stop. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its wings, landing gear, propeller, and engine. The pilot was uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's weight and balance records, maintenance logs, and the physical site. The investigation noted that the aircraft was removed from the scene and parts, including the wings and landing gear, were altered or underwent maintenance before the investigation commission could verify them.
Analysis of the weight and balance data revealed that the aircraft's center of gravity (CG) was outside the manufacturer's established limits, specifically positioned too far aft. Investigators also noted a significant discrepancy in the recorded weight of the tailwheel compared to similar aircraft models, suggesting either incorrect weighing or an actual excess weight in the tail section. Furthermore, the investigation reviewed the takeoff performance requirements, noting that the manufacturer's manual provided data for hard surfaces but lacked specific graphics for unpaved or irregular surfaces like grass or gravel.
Findings
- The aircraft's center of gravity was outside of operational limits, positioned too far toward the rear, which increases the speed required to lift the tailwheel during the takeoff roll.
- The pilot's decision to use 20° flaps—a setting not recommended for takeoff in this restricted category—increased aerodynamic drag and contributed to the increased takeoff distance.
- Solar glare from the sun's position likely caused visual impairment, hindering the pilot's ability to monitor the runway and airspeed during the aborted takeoff.
- The runway surface was irregular with high grass, which increased rolling resistance and takeoff distance.
- Discrepancies in the tailwheel weight records suggested potential inaccuracies in the aircraft's weight and balance documentation.
Safety action
CENIPA issued recommendations to the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to:
- Remind operators of the requirement to immediately report accidents/incidents to the Aeronautical Command and the prohibition against removing aircraft parts from an accident site without authorization.
- Notify the operator regarding the need for a new weighing of PT-DCL to verify the accuracy of the weight and balance data, specifically addressing the suspected tailwheel weight discrepancy.