What happened
On March 27, 2020, a Cessna 182P, registration PT-JBP, was performing a private cargo flight from Ourilândia do Norte, Pará, to an unregistered farm landing strip in São Félix do Xingu, Pará. During the landing phase, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, causing it to veer off the landing area and collide with a fence and a parked agricultural tractor at the end of the strip.
The landing area was highly precarious, characterized by uneven terrain, holes, and vegetation. The strip was only 450 meters long and 9 meters wide, with significant obstacles including fences at the beginning and side of the area. The pilot touched down approximately one-third of the way into the strip, leaving only about 300 meters of available runway for braking. Additionally, the aircraft landed with a tailwind.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed that the pilot was not qualified to operate the aircraft at the time of the accident, as his single-engine land (MNTE) rating was suspended, although his medical certificate was valid. While the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was current, investigators found that the logbooks for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not up to date, and the last entry in the aircraft logbook dated back to February 2020.
The investigation also noted that the landing site was an unregistered aerodrome, which violated regulatory requirements regarding the use of approved landing facilities. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but the pilot remained uninjured.
Findings
- The pilot's lack of qualification due to a suspended rating.
- The use of an unregistered and highly irregular landing strip.
- Poor landing technique, specifically a long touchdown and landing with a tailwind.
- Presence of significant obstacles, including fences and a vehicle, at the end of the landing area.
- Inadequate maintenance documentation, including outdated engine and airframe logbooks.