What happened
On May 30, 2021, at 17:38 UTC, a Bravo 70 far experimental aircraft, registration PU-RID, departed from the Piraquara Aerodrome (SISY) in Paraná, Brazil. The pilot intended to perform a traffic pattern to check the aircraft's performance. During the procedure, the pilot executed a touch-and-go maneuver. After an initial touchdown on the second half of the runway, the aircraft made a second, misaligned touchdown.
During the subsequent go-around attempt, the pilot applied a high pitch angle and a significant left wing bank. While the aircraft was at a low airspeed, the pilot retracted the flaps, which had been set at 20 degrees. This maneuver caused the aircraft to lose lift and enter a stall, leading it to crash into a house in a residential area. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, while the pilot sustained light injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed that the individual operating the aircraft did not possess a pilot's license, technical certificate (CHT), or a valid aeronautical medical certificate (CMA). The aircraft was registered under the amateur-built category, which exempts the operator from submitting the Airworthiness Certificate (CVA) to ANAC, provided the document is carried on board. However, because the documents were lost in the accident, investigators could not verify the validity of the aircraft's airworthiness documentation.
Video footage from the aerodrome confirmed that the pilot's handling of the aircraft during the landing and go-around was improper. The investigation noted that the pilot's decision to retract the flaps while maintaining a high pitch angle at low speed was a critical factor in the loss of control.
Findings
- The pilot lacked the necessary legal qualifications, including a pilot license and medical certification.
- The aircraft entered a stall condition due to improper command application during the go-around.
- The pilot's decision-making, judgment, and lack of proper training contributed to the accident.
- The pilot demonstrated low situational awareness and poor adherence to flight safety principles.
- The aircraft's weight and balance could not be determined due to the loss of onboard documentation.