What happened
On March 15, 2017, a Neiva 56-C-1, registration PP-HMM, departed from the Aeroclube de Bento Gonçalves (SSBG) in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, for a local flight consisting of sightseeing and touch-and-go maneuvers. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and one passenger.
After completing six touch-and-go sequences, the aircraft was on final approach for a landing when it experienced a loss of directional control to the left. In an attempt to recover, the pilot applied right rudder and subsequently applied the right brake. This sequence caused the tail to lift excessively, leading the propeller to strike the runway and resulting in a ground loop and capsize. Both occupants of the Neability 56-C-1 escaped the accident without injury, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed several critical discrepancies regarding flight planning and maintenance documentation. Although the pilot initially claimed the left wheel had locked during the landing, post-accident testing showed the wheel was rotating freely, and no skid marks on the runway supported the claim of a mechanical lock.
Investigators found that the aircraft was operating at an overweight condition, weighing 689.7 kg at the time of takeoff, which exceeded the manufacturer's maximum takeoff weight of 660 kg. Furthermore, the investigation noted significant lapses in record-keeping; the engine logbook had not been updated since 2010 due to lack of space, and the airframe and propeller logs lacked entries identifying the personnel responsible for maintenance since March 2016. Additionally, the pilot failed to report the occurrence to the authorities immediately, removing the aircraft from the scene without authorization, which hindered the collection of initial evidence.
Findings
- Improper use of controls: The pilot's application of the brakes during the landing phase contributed to the tail lifting and the subsequent propeller strike.
- Flight planning errors: The aircraft was operated significantly above its maximum allowable takeoff weight.
- Pilot judgment: The decision-making process regarding landing techniques and weight limits was deficient.
- Maintenance documentation: Incomplete and outdated logbooks for the engine, airframe, and propeller.