What happened
On July 17, 2017, a Piper PA-23-235, registration PT-OPT, was conducting its sixth solo flight as part of an agricultural flight course (CAVAG) at the Ponta Grossa Aeroclube in Paraná, Brazil. The flight was being conducted without a flight plan under visual flight rules (VFR) and without any payload.
During the landing phase on runway 26, the pilot initially performed a go-around after feeling uncomfortable with the approach. Upon a subsequent stabilized approach, the aircraft touched down near the 1,000ft marker. After touchdown, the aircraft began to drift to the left. In an attempt to correct this movement, the pilot applied the right brake and rudder abruptly. This sudden input caused the aircraft to lose control and veer to the right, exiting the runway and striking an exposed drainage ditch located approximately 40 meters from the runway edge.
The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft, specifically affecting the landing gear, propeller, forward lower cowling, and the right wing.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation confirmed that the pilot was fully qualified with valid medical and flight certifications, including multi-engine and instrument ratings. While the pilot had approximately 570 total flight hours, they had only 3 hours of experience specifically in the Piper PA-23-235 model, having performed previous training in an AB-180.
The aircraft, a 1992 model, was found to be in a fully airworthy condition with all maintenance records up to date. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were favorable, with calm winds and high visibility.
The investigation also highlighted that the drainage ditch served as a significant obstacle for any aircraft experiencing a runway excursion. At the time, the Ponta Grossa Airport was undergoing expansion to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the ATR-72.
Findings
- Abrupt control inputs by the pilot during the landing roll.
- Limited pilot experience in the specific aircraft model.
- Airport infrastructure issues, specifically the presence of an exposed drainage ditch acting as an obstacle.
Safety action
CENIPA issued the following recommendations to the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC):
- Instruct the Aeroclube de Pontá Grossa to emphasize the risks associated with initial solo flights in agricultural aircraft, noting that these aircraft do not provide instructor-led training during the solo phase.
- Coordinate with the Ponta Grossa Airport administrator to modify the drainage system to ensure ditches are not left exposed, preventing them from becoming obstacles during runway excursions.