What happened
On May 15, 2019, a Beechcraft F33A, registration PR-BHF, departed from Estância Santa Maria Aerodrome (SSKG) in Campo Grande, Brazil, for a private flight to Corumbá. The aircraft was occupied by the pilot and one passenger.
Although the pilot had filed a flight plan for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations, meteorological reports and witnesses indicated that a dense layer of low clouds was covering the aerodrome, making VFR conditions impossible. Despite being advised by observers to wait for better weather, the pilot proceeded with the takeoff. Shortly after departure, the aircraft entered a cloud layer and began performing aggressive right-hand turns. Witnesses observed the aircraft passing near the top of a hangar, and radar data confirmed significant fluctuations in altitude and airspeed. After completing approximately two full turns, the aircraft struck the ground in a nose-down attitude and caught fire. The impact resulted in two fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the flight dynamics and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators analyzed radar imagery, which showed the aircraft's altitude varying between 2,200 and 3,100 feet with airspeed fluctuations between 40 and 109 knots. The investigation also reviewed meteorological reports (METAR/SPECI) from the nearby Campo Grande airport, which confirmed a broken cloud ceiling as low as 500 feet.
Technical inspections confirmed that the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid and that the engine, propeller, and airframe maintenance logs were up to date. The investigation also examined the pilot's qualifications, noting that while he held a valid private pilot license and medical certificate, he did not possess an instrument rating (IFRA).