What happened
On June 5, 2015, at 15:05 UTC, a Piper PA-25-235, registration PR-ACH, departed from Fazenda Iraí de Minas, MG, bound for the Araguarí aerodrome (SNAG), MG. The flight was conducted without a filed flight plan.
While performing a low-level pass over the headquarters of the Fazão I - Mamoso farm, the aircraft's left wing struck a lightning rod antenna attached to one of the farm buildings. The initial impact occurred at an altitude of approximately 40 feet. Following the collision, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, which subsequently struck the ground approximately 160 meters beyond the antenna. The impact resulted in the fatal injury of the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators established that the pilot held valid technical and medical certifications, and the aircraft was airworthy with up-to-date maintenance records and within weight and balance limits. The investigation focused on the flight maneuvers performed over the inhabited farm area.
Investigators noted that the flight maneuvers were in violation of Brazilian aviation regulations. Specifically, RBHA 91 prohibits acrobatic maneuvers—defined as intentional maneuvers involving abrupt changes in attitude or unnecessary accelerations—over densely populated areas or groups of people at altitudes below 1,500 feet. Additionally, ICA 100-12/2013 mandates that VFR flights over inhabited areas must maintain a minimum altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a 600-meter radius.
Findings
- The pilot performed a low-level pass over a residential farm area.
- The aircraft's left wing collided with a lightning rod antenna.
- The unauthorized low-altitude maneuver led to the loss of control and subsequent ground impact.