What happened
On January 11, 2011, a Cessna A 188 B, registration PT-WCU, was engaged in agricultural operations at the Santa Eliza farm in Dom Pedrito, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft was being used to apply urea to a rice crop. During the takeoff roll from an improvised runway, the pilot successfully lifted the aircraft off the ground. However, shortly after liftoff, the pilot initiated a right-hand climbing turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft lost lift and descended back toward the terrain. The aircraft traveled several meters across the ground before striking the embankment of a pond, resulting in a heavy impact.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and the mechanical condition of the aircraft. Post-accident testing of the engine, propeller, and ignition systems revealed no mechanical failures; the engine was found to be operating normally, and the fuel system components were functional. While the propeller blades were bent and some mounting hardware was broken, investigators determined these damages were a direct result of the impact with the ground rather than a cause of the accident.
The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's weight and balance, confirming it was within manufacturer limits, carrying 450 kg of urea and 110 liters of aviation gasoline. Meteorological conditions were favorable for visual flight, though some towering cumulus clouds were present in the region. The pilot was performing his 24th takeoff of the day at the time of the occurrence.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating at a speed of approximately 73 MPH, which was dangerously close to the stall speed for the given bank angles.
- The pilot may have failed to properly evaluate the aircraft's performance limits regarding weight and airspeed before initiating the turn.
- The pilot likely experienced an aerodynamic stall due to an excessive angle of attack during a climbing turn at low airspeed and high weight.
- The repetitive nature of the task—the 24th takeoff of the day—may have influenced the pilot's judgment or led to a lack of focus on critical performance parameters.
- The pilot remained uninjured in the accident, though the aircraft sustained severe damage to the engine, propeller, and fuselage.