What happened
On March 5, 2019, an Air Tractor AT-502, registration PR-AER, was performing a repositioning flight from an agricultural landing strip in Montevidio, Goiás, to the Quirinópolis Municipal Airport (SJQN). The aircraft was operated by Aerotex Aviação Agrícola Ltda-EPP.
Upon landing, the aircraft touched down approximately 800 meters from the threshold of runway 31, which is past the midpoint of the 1,500-meter runway. During the landing roll, the aircraft traveled 300 meters in a sinuous path before exiting the runway via the right side. The impact of the right wing tip against the asphalt was noted, and the aircraft eventually came to a stop in the opposite direction of its landing heading. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, left landing gear, and wings.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the flight parameters and the pilot's credentials. While the pilot held a valid Commercial Pilot license and Agricultural Pilot rating, their Single-Engine Land (MNTE) rating had expired in February 2019. The aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid, and the aircraft was within weight and balance limits. However, investigators found that the logbooks for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not up to date.
Because the airfield lacked a meteorological station, the exact intensity and direction of the wind at the time of the accident could not be determined. The pilot reported experiencing a crosswind gust immediately before touchdown, which hindered directional control. The investigation also noted that the pilot did not observe wind conditions via the windsock prior to the landing.
Findings
- The landing occurred deep on the runway, beyond the halfway point.
- The aircraft experienced a loss of directional control during the transition from flight to ground roll.
- An unstabilized approach likely resulted in a hard landing, which was further complicated by a potential crosswind gust.
- The pilot's decision-making and piloting judgment were identified as contributing factors to the excursion.