What happened
On April 12, 2021, at approximately 11:00 UTC, a Thrust Aircraft S2R-H80, registration PR-SLG, was performing a short agricultural ferry flight in Nova Mutum, Mato Grosso. The aircraft departed from the Munareto farm landing area, heading to the Três Irmãos farm landing area to reposition for upcoming pesticide application tasks.
Upon arriving at the destination, the pilot executed a landing on a dirt landing strip. During the landing roll, the aircraft experienced a loss of directional control. The aircraft veered toward the right side of the strip, traveling 804 meters from the start of the landing area before colliding with nearby bushes. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, though the pilot remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators confirmed that the pilot was fully qualified, holding valid commercial and agricultural licenses, as well as a valid medical certificate. The aircraft's airworthiness certificate was also up to date, and the aircraft was operating within its approved weight and balance limits, with a landing weight of 2,710 kg.
Environmental conditions were a primary focus of the investigation. While the weather was generally favorable for visual flight, the pilot reported that recent rainfall had left the unpaved landing strip wet and slippery. Additionally, the pilot noted the presence of a left crosswind with gusts estimated between 12 and 15 km/h during the landing roll. Although the crosswind was within the manufacturer's specified limits, the combination of the slippery surface and the wind gusts prevented the pilot from maintaining the aircraft on the centerline, even after attempting to use asymmetric braking.
Findings
- The landing strip surface was wet and slippery due to previous rainfall.
- A left crosswind with gusts was present during the landing roll.
- Loss of directional control occurred due to the interaction between the wind and the reduced friction of the wet surface.
- Contributing factors included pilot judgment, decision-making processes, and the application of flight controls.