What happened
On May 14, 2011, a Cessna 210M, registration PR-HSM, departed from Aeródromo Wilma Rebelo in Senador José Porfírio, Brazil, bound for Paragominas. The pilot filed a visual flight plan (AFIL) and initially maintained flight level 055. During the flight, the pilot contacted Tucuruí Radio, reporting that the aircraft had passed Tucuruí at 13:55 UTC and estimating arrival at the destination by 14:50 UTC.
Shortly after this final communication, residents near Jutuba II observed the aircraft in a descending flight path, appearing to have lost a wing. The aircraft subsequently crashed into the Rio Moju, leaving the pilot and two passengers with three fatalities. The aircraft was completely destroyed.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators analyzed meteorological satellite imagery from GOES-12, which revealed active thunderstorm cells developing over the region. The analysis showed that a significant convective system was expanding near the accident site, characterized by intense instability and the high probability of strong downdrafts associated with cumulonimbus clouds.
Technical examinations of the wreckage by the Instituto de Aeronáutica e Espaço (IAE) determined that the left wing had suffered a fracture due to structural overload. The investigation established that the aircraft likely encountered severe turbulence or extreme vertical currents, which, combined with the pilot's maneuvers, exceeded the structural limits of the airframe.
Findings
- Severe weather conditions: The aircraft encountered intense meteorological phenomena, including thunderstorms and potential downdrafts, which were unfavorable for visual flight rules (VFR) operations.
- Structural failure: The left wing failed due to structural overload caused by extreme aerodynamic forces.
- Decision-making errors: The pilot's decision-making process contributed to the accident, as the pilot elected to continue the flight despite deteriorating weather conditions.
- Pilot experience and profile: The pilot was qualified but possessed limited flight experience. Factors such as high motivation to reach the destination and potential spatial disorientation during the encounter with turbulence likely influenced the outcome.