What happened
On February 18, 2013, a Piper PA-23-250, registration PT-AZT, was performing a private flight when it experienced a loss of control during the landing phase at Fazenda Baculerê, located in Guaraci, São Paulo. As the aircraft was landing on a grass runway, the pilot lost control, causing the aircraft to veer beyond the left lateral limit of the runway. During the excursion, the left wing collided with a fence. The impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse and resulted in substantial damage to the left wing, propeller, and engine.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of events and the pilot's credentials. Following the accident, the pilot reported to local authorities that electronic equipment being transported in the aircraft had been stolen by individuals who arrived in two vehicles and fled the scene before police arrived. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's regulatory standing with the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). It was established that the pilot's Medical Certificate (CMA) and Technical Pilot Licenses (CHT) had been expired for more than five years. Additionally, investigators could not confirm if the aircraft was within its permitted weight and balance limits at the time of the incident.
Findings
- The pilot was operating with an expired Medical Certificate.
- The pilot was operating with expired technical licenses.
- The aircraft's Airworthiness Certificate (CA) was valid.
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of control during the landing maneuver, leading to the aircraft exiting the runway and striking a fence.