What happened
On May 29, 2016, at approximately 13:3/0 PM UTC, a Piper PA-28-160, registration PT-CFE, was conducting sightseeing flights near an improvised landing strip in Corumbaíba, Goiás. The operator had organized these flights to coincide with local festivities, expecting a high volume of passengers. The aircraft had been performing several short-duration flights throughout the day without flight plans or official notifications.
During the sixth takeoff of the day, the aircraft was carrying three passengers. After departing from runway 19, the pilot executed a rapid ascent followed by a high-bank turn to return for a low-altitude pass over the runway axis. During the recovery from this low pass, the pilot increased the pitch angle significantly, leading to a loss of airspeed and lift. The aircraft entered a stall, causing the right wing to drop and initiating a spin. Approximately seven seconds after the loss of lift, the aircraft impacted the ground roughly 200 meters beyond the runway threshold. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and a post-crash fire. All four fatalities included the pilot and the three passengers.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators reviewed video footage captured by a witness at the scene, which confirmed the sequence of the maneuver and the subsequent loss of control. The investigation established that the pilot was flying without a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), which prohibited the performance of remunerated sightseeing flights. Furthermore, the pilot lacked the necessary authorization from the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to perform aerobatic maneuvers. The investigation also noted that the flights were being conducted in violation of established safety regulations regarding flight notifications and operational limits.
Findings
- The pilot performed an unauthorized aerobatic maneuver that resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin.
- The pilot was not licensed for commercial operations, making the sightseeing flights illegal.
- The pilot lacked specific authorization for aerobatic flight operations.
- The aircraft was within weight and balance limits and had a valid airworthiness certificate.
- The pilot held a valid medical certificate and single-engine land rating.
- Meteorological conditions were favorable for visual flight rules (VFR).