What happened
On July 24, 2007, an A-122B aircraft, registration PP-KBK, was performing a solo instructional flight near Luziânia, Goiás. The pilot was executing a specific training maneuver known as "8 around landmarks." During the conclusion of this maneuver, the aircraft struck electrical transmission cables belonging to the Companhia Energética de Goiás (CELG).
The impact with the cables, which were positioned only about 10 meters above the ground, caused the pilot to lose control of the aircraft. Following the collision, the aircraft struck the terrain approximately 20 meters from the initial impact point. The aircraft sustained severe damage to the wings, landing gear, and fuselage, while two power lines were also damaged. The pilot emerged from the accident uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on why the aircraft was flying at such a low altitude and why the obstacle was not avoided. The investigation established that the standard operating procedure for the "8 around landmarks" maneuver requires a minimum altitude of 7 and 700 feet. However, the aircraft was operating at approximately 33 feet (10 meters) during the collision.
Investigators reviewed the pilot's flight training records, which revealed a pattern of inconsistent performance. While the pilot had successfully completed previous solo flights, the records indicated frequent failures to maintain standardized procedures, a lack of mental preparation (flight planning), and a tendency to fly without following established checklists. The investigation concluded that the pilot's lack of experience, combined with the difficulty of spotting cables against the terrain, made the collision highly probable given the low altitude being maintained.
Findings
- Inadequate pilot judgment: The pilot believed they possessed sufficient skill to perform the maneuvers at a dangerously low altitude.
- Flight indiscipline: The pilot operated the aircraft below the minimum altitude prescribed for the training maneuver.
- Limited flight experience: The pilot's status as a student and lack of experience increased the likelihood of failing to detect the power lines.
Safety action
CENIPA issued a safety recommendation (RSO (A) 220/A/2009) to ANAC, suggesting the mandatory inclusion of specific content regarding operational risk management within the theoretical portions of flight school and aero club training programs.