What happened
On April 7, 2014, a Beechcraft B55, registration PT-IHS, was performing a ferry flight from Maringá, PR, to Arapongas, PR, for a scheduled 100-hour maintenance inspection. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and one passenger.
While attempting to land on runway 15 at Arapongas Aerodrome, the aircraft encountered a strong crosswind gust. The pilot reported that the wind was approximately 16 knots from a direction of 060°. This turbulence caused the aircraft to become unstable during the final approach. The aircraft made a hard impact with the runway, resulting in the nose gear collapsing. Following the impact, the aircraft veered off the right side of the runway and came to a stop in a grassy area. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the engines, propellers, fuselage, and radome. Both occupants were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the flight conditions and the pilot's response to the environmental factors. The investigation noted that there was no local meteorological station or available weather bulletins to provide precise wind data at the time of the occurrence. Additionally, there were no witnesses or surveillance cameras at the aerodrome to assist in reconstructing the sequence of events.
Investigators examined the pilot's actions during the approach. While the turbulence was a significant factor, the investigation noted that the pilot did not attempt a go-around despite the destabilization caused by the wind. Based on the flight characteristics, the investigation concluded that the pilot likely conducted a non-stabilized approach.
Findings
- The pilot was operating with valid medical and technical certifications.
- The aircraft was within weight and balance limits and had a valid airworthiness certificate.
- Maintenance records for the airframe, engines, and propellers were up to date.
- The primary contributing factor was the pilot's failure to execute a go-around during a non-stabilized approach caused by turbulence and crosswind.