What happened
On July 28, 2009, an AB-115 aircraft, registration PP-GOI, was performing local solo training maneuvers at the Santa Cruz do Sul Aerodrome in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The flight was part of a commercial pilot training program. After completing several training circuits, the pilot attempted a landing on runway 26 using a 15-degree flap configuration.
During the landing roll, the pilot reported that the right wing lifted twice. On the second occurrence, the aircraft drifted left and veered off the runway. The aircraft continued uncontrolled across the airfield perimeter until it entered a lagoon adjacent to the runway, where it overturned. The pilot survived the accident without injuries, but the aircraft sustained severe damage to the engine, instruments, and various components.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the flight training records, meteorological conditions, and the aircraft's maintenance history. The investigation established that the pilot was performing his first solo flight following the completion of his private pilot course. The instructor had conducted a "solo confirmation" flight immediately prior to the solo mission, during which the student performed four circuits without intervention.
Investigators also reviewed the flight school's organizational practices. It was noted that the training syllabus had been recently modified, reducing the number of required dual-instruction missions from ten to three for students with previous experience on the type. Additionally, the investigation looked into the presence of environmental hazards, specifically the lagoon located near the edge of the runway.
Findings
- Improper control application: The pilot failed to maintain directional control during the landing roll, specifically failing to use the brakes to prevent the excursion.
- Inadequate training and experience: The pilot's lack of experience in solo operations and potential deficiencies in the quality of instruction contributed to the inability to respond to the wing lift.
- Organizational deficiencies: The flight school lacked systematic monitoring of student performance and instructor evaluation. Furthermore, the reduction in required dual-instruction missions may have allowed the student to fly solo without sufficient proficiency.
- Environmental factors: The presence of a lagoon immediately adjacent to the runway exacerbated the severity of the accident once the aircraft left the paved surface.
- Operational changes: The decision to switch from a navigation mission to local solo training due to changing weather conditions influenced the mission profile.