What happened
On January 26, 2018, at approximately 12:20 UTC, a Cessna T188C, registration PT-WZP, was preparing for a ferry flight from an agricultural landing strip in Inaciolândia, Goiás, Brazil. The aircraft was operated by Aerotex Aviação Agrícal LTDA.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot observed a motorcycle carrying two occupants traveling toward the aircraft's path, approximately 200 meters away. To avoid a collision with the vehicle, the pilot commanded the aircraft to the right. This maneuver caused the aircraft to strike nearby vegetation, leading to a gear collapse and a subsequent post-impact fire. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, though the pilot escaped the wreckage uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators established that the pilot was fully qualified, holding valid commercial and agricultural licenses, as well as a valid medical certificate. The aircraft was within weight and balance limits and possessed a valid airworthiness certificate. Meteorological conditions at the time were favorable for flight.
The investigation focused on the landing strip's layout and security. The strip featured a central elevation that obstructed the pilot's view of the entire area from one end. Investigators found that a barbed-wire fence separating the landing area from an adjacent unpaved road was weakened at the far end of the strip. It is hypothesized that the motorcycle entered the operational area through this breach. Notably, the aircraft was removed from the scene without authorization from the investigating authority, and maintenance logs for the engine, propeller, and airframe were destroyed in the fire, preventing their verification.
Findings
- The pilot's attempt to avoid the motorcycle resulted in the collision with vegetation.
- Inadequate management of the landing area allowed unauthorized access by a vehicle.
- Deficiencies in flight planning and managerial oversight contributed to the occurrence.