What happened
On April 28, 2019, a Piper PA-32R-301T, registration PP-MJT, was performing a private flight from Americana, São Paulo, to Porto Belo, Santa Catarina. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and three passengers. During the approach to Costa Esmeralda Aerodrome (SDEN), the left main landing gear struck a perimeter fence located before the runway threshold. Upon touchdown, the aircraft struck a runway edge light, causing the left wing to contact the ground and resulting in a leftward excursion from the runway. All four occupants escaped without injury, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the approach geometry and the aerodrome's infrastructure. The investigation found that the pilot utilized an approach angle of approximately 1.12° relative to the runway threshold, significantly lower than the standard 3.3° glide slope. Furthermore, the investigation determined that the 1.60-meter-high perimeter fence was positioned within the approach surface limits for runway 15, creating a vertical interference of 0.64 meters. While the aircraft's maintenance logs were found to be outdated regarding monthly usage entries, this was not considered a direct cause of the accident. The investigation also noted that the aerodrome's obstacle protection plan (PBZPA) had not accurately accounted for the position of this specific fence during previous updates.
Findings
- Improper pilot judgment regarding the approach angle and the use of an area prior to the threshold for landing.
- Inadequate airport infrastructure, specifically a perimeter fence that encroached upon the vertical limits of the approach surface.
- The aircraft was within weight and balance limits and had a valid certificate of airworthiness.
- Meteorological conditions were favorable for flight, though the runway surface was wet at the time of landing.