What happened
On April 19, 2013, a Cessna 172D, registration PT-BVC, was performing a local flight at the Barra do Bugres Aerodrome in Mato Grosso. The aircraft was carrying three occupants. During the landing roll, the aircraft failed to remain within the runway boundaries, subsequently striking a fence and overturning. Despite the impact, all three occupants escaped the wreckage without injuries.
The aircraft sustained significant damage to its fuselage, wings, landing gear, and powerplant.
The investigation
Investigators from SERIPA VI encountered conflicting accounts regarding the identity of the person operating the aircraft. While an individual initially identified himself to investigators as the commander, and a local police report listed the aircraft owner as a passenger, subsequent evidence contradicted these claims. Local media reports and eyewitnesses at a nearby public event indicated that the owner was actually operating the aircraft. This was further supported by video footage from a local television station, in which the owner admitted to piloting the aircraft.
Data from the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) confirmed that the individual operating the aircraft did not possess a valid pilot's license. The investigation also noted discrepancies in the official police report filed by the local Military Police, prompting a separate inquiry by police authorities to determine why the initial report contained inaccurate information.
Findings
- The person operating the aircraft was unlicensed.
- The aircraft exceeded the runway limits during the landing roll, resulting in a collision with a fence and a subsequent overturn.
- The aircraft sustained substantial structural and mechanical damage.