What happened
On May 3, 2019, at approximately 21:45 UTC, a RANS Coyote (registration PU-PRI) crashed near the Olavo Cecco Rigon Aerodrome (SSCK) in Concórdia, Santa Catarina. The pilot had intended to perform a simple runway roll to check the aircraft's performance and had informed airport personnel that no takeoff was planned. During the procedure, the aircraft bounced several times on the runway before gaining enough altitude to complete an unintentional takeoff.
Shortly after departing, the aircraft turned left and, approximately 800 meters from the runway threshold, collided with the tops of several trees. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and fatal injuries to the pilot. Evidence from the wreckage indicated that the pilot was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation established that the accident occurred 50 minutes after sunset. While the pilot's medical certificate was valid and his single-engine land rating was within the legal grace period for renewal, the aircraft was not equipped for night operations. Furthermore, the airport's runway lighting was not active, as such services required prior telephone request.
The investigators examined the pilot's flight experience, noting approximately 163 hours recorded in official systems, though third-party reports suggested a total of 800 hours. However, it could not be confirmed if the pilot had performed any night flights within the preceding 90 days, leaving his specific night qualification unverified.
Findings
- The aircraft was not equipped with the necessary instruments or lighting required for night VFR operations.
- The lack of external visual references, combined with the absence of runway lighting and the aircraft's lack of internal illumination, likely induced spatial disorientation.
- The pilot's decision-making process was compromised by an inadequate assessment of the risks and limitations involved in the operation.
- Contributing factors included errors in pilot attitude, perception, and judgment.