What happened
On April 22, 2014, a Cessna A188B, registration PT-WUZ, was performing agricultural spraying operations near Dom Pedrito, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft had departed from an improvised landing strip at Fazenda Tulipa. During the landing phase, the aircraft encountered a sudden wind gust that caused it to veer to the right. The pilot attempted to correct the directional deviation but was unable to maintain control. Consequently, the aircraft spun 180 degrees and crashed into an irrigation ditch located at the side of the landing area.
The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft's nose gear and tail cone. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, escaped the accident uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the pilot was highly experienced, holding 2,000 total flight hours, including 500 hours in this specific model, and possessed valid medical and technical certifications. The aircraft was also in a condition of airworthiness, with all maintenance records up to date, and was within weight and balance limits at the time of the event.
The investigation noted that the pilot did not attempt a go-around after encountering the adverse wind conditions during the landing sequence. Additionally, it was observed that the aircraft was dismantled and transported by land to a maintenance facility without the prior knowledge of the Investigating Commander.