What happened
On April 10, 2017, a Cessna 208B, registration PT-MEA, was conducting a training flight involving touch-and-go maneuvers at the Embaixador Walther Moreira Salles Aerodrome (SBPC) in Poços de Caldas, MG. The flight originated from Brasília, DF, and was operated by TWO TÁXI AÉREO LTDA.
During the descent toward the traffic pattern for runway 09, the aircraft encountered small cumulus clouds. While the crew initially maintained visual references by maneuvering around the clouds, the aircraft eventually entered Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). During this period, the aircraft struck vegetation on an elevated terrain feature. The impact caused damage to the left wing, the left main landing gear strut, and the left horizontal stabilizer. Following the collision, the instructor took control of the aircraft, disconnected the autopilot, and performed a climb to exit the clouds. The crew managed to land the aircraft at SBPC without further incident. All three occupants—two pilots and one non-functional crew member—remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the crew's decision-making and adherence to visual approach procedures. Investigators found that the pilot in command, who was undergoing training to become an instructor, had miscalculated the required descent altitude. The Visual Approach Chart (VAC) for the aerodrome required a minimum altitude of 1,500 feet above the terrain (5,635 feet MSL), but the pilot had planned for 1,000 feet above the runway elevation (5,135 feet MSL).
Furthermore, the investigation examined the crew's performance during the transition from VFR to IMC. It was noted that the instructor's attention had been diverted by other cockpit tasks, which delayed the recognition of the loss of visual references. The investigation also noted that the crew did not declare an emergency to air traffic control following the impact, despite the substantial damage to the aircraft.
Findings
- Incorrect altitude planning: The pilot failed to adhere to the minimum altitude specified in the Visual Approach Chart.
- Loss of situational awareness: The crew failed to detect the transition into IMC in a timely manner.
- Inadequate supervision: The instructor's oversight was compromised due to a lack of active monitoring during the approach phase.
- Communication breakdown: There was a lack of effective coordination and assertiveness during the descent briefing.
- Operational non-compliance: The crew did not declare an emergency to ATC after the collision.