What happened
On May 8, 2015, a Piper PA-34-200T, registration PR-TFT, departed from Uruaçu, Goiás, bound for the National Aviation Aerodrome (SWNV) in Goiânia. The aircraft was performing a private transport flight with one pilot and two passengers on board.
Upon arrival at the destination, the aircraft performed an unstable approach, resulting in the nose landing gear making contact with the runway before the main gear. The impact was sufficiently violent to cause the nose gear to collapse and puncture the upper forward section of the fuselage. Despite the substantial damage to the aircraft, all three occupants escaped the incident without injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed significant discrepancies regarding the flight's operation. While the initial pilot reported to investigators that he had performed the landing, subsequent medical examinations and interviews with witnesses established a different reality.
It was determined that the person actually operating the aircraft at the time of the accident was the aircraft owner. Although the owner was a pilot, he did not hold the necessary certification to operate multi-engine aircraft. Furthermore, the investigation found that the person initially identified as the pilot had provided his ANAC identification code and flight plan to the unauthorized operator to facilitate the flight.
Because the accident resulted from a deliberate violation of aviation regulations and potential criminal acts, the investigation was interrupted, as the primary causal factors were related to illegal operations rather than technical or environmental failures.
Findings
- The aircraft was within weight and balance limits and maintained a valid airworthiness certificate.
- Meteorological conditions were favorable for the flight.
- The landing was characterized by an unstable approach, leading to the nose gear striking the ground first.
- The aircraft was being operated by an individual without the required multi-engine rating.