Fatal Cirrus SR22 Crash in Minas Gerais Linked to Improvised Takeoff

Casualties unknown • TIROS, MG, BR

A Cirrus SR22 crashed during takeoff at an unregistered farm airstrip in Tiros, Brazil, resulting in two fatalities.

What happened

On February 27, 2013, a Cirrus SR22, registration PR-SLS, departed from the Fazenda Platô Azul airstrip in Tiros, Minas Gerais, bound for Poços de Caldas. The flight was a private operation carrying a pilot and one passenger. Shortly after departing the runway, the aircraft entered a sharp left turn, lost altitude, and struck a tree approximately three meters high. The impact was characterized by a high angle of bank and a nose-down attitude. The aircraft was destroyed in the subsequent impact and fire. The pilot died at the scene, and the passenger, who was also a pilot, succumbed to injuries several days later, resulting in two fatalities.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators examined the engine and propeller assembly at the Institute of Aeronautics and Space (IAE). Technical analysis of the Continental IO-550N engine revealed that the lubrication, ignition, and fuel systems were functioning normally at the time of impact. Evidence from the propeller blades and the crankshaft flange indicated that the engine was producing power and rotating at the moment of the collision, effectively ruling out engine failure as a cause.

Investigators also examined the takeoff conditions at the Fazenda Platô Azul airstrip. The runway was unregistered and featured a significant 26-meter elevation difference between its two ends. While the pilot typically used runway 12 to assist acceleration, the approaching storm prompted an improvised departure from runway 30, which was closer to the aircraft's parking position. Witnesses reported that a storm with strong wind gusts was approaching the airfield during the departure.

Findings

  • The aircraft was within weight and balance limits and had a valid airworthiness certificate.
  • The pilot held a valid private pilot license and medical certificate.
  • The engine and propeller were operational and producing power at the time of the accident.
  • The takeoff was performed from runway 30 to avoid an approaching storm, which was a shorter or less favorable departure path than the pilot's usual routine.
  • The aircraft likely entered an unrecoverable stall following an aggressive left-hand turn at low altitude and low airspeed.
  • The use of an unregistered airstrip was noted as a regulatory violation.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the aircraft entering a stall during a high-bank turn at low altitude and airspeed, likely following an improvised takeoff from a less favorable runway position to avoid approaching weather.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-02-27 aircraft accident near TIROS, MG, BR?

A Cirrus SR22 crashed during takeoff at an unregistered farm airstrip in Tiros, Brazil, resulting in two fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-02-27 involved a aircraft, registration PRSLS, at TIROS, MG, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the aircraft entering a stall during a high-bank turn at low altitude and airspeed, likely following an improvised takeoff from a less favorable runway position to avoid approaching weather.

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