What happened
On August 15, 2022, at approximately 18:30 UTC, an experimental Conquest 180, registration PU-SPX, was performing a local flight at the Ten. Brig. Ar Waldir de Vasconlos Aerodrome (SIWV) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The flight, which included a pilot and one passenger, was conducting a series of touch-and-go maneuvers.
During the third circuit of the traffic pattern, specifically while the aircraft was on the wind leg, the pilot experienced a loss of control. The aircraft subsequently collided with the roof of a residence located near the aerodrome before impacting the ground. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft. The pilot sustained serious injuries, while the passenger suffered minor injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, which were found to be up to date, and verified that the pilot held valid licenses and a medical certificate. The aircraft's airworthiness certificates (CAVE and CVA) were also valid.
Investigators analyzed data from a Garmin Aera 796 GPS unit, which revealed that the pilot had completed two prior flights that day. Meteorological reports from the nearby Jacarepaguá Aerodrome (SBJR) indicated that while the overall visibility and ceiling were acceptable (CAVOK), there were active warnings for surface winds between 15 and 25 knots. The investigation also considered the local topography, noting that the accident site is situated between mountain ranges (Camorim and Itanhangá), a geographic feature known to produce sudden wind variations and turbulence due to orographic effects.
Findings
- The aircraft was configured with full flaps during the wind leg.
- The pilot reported experiencing a wind gust or turbulence while initiating a left turn to align with the base leg.
- The investigation established that the aircraft likely experienced an asymmetric stall due to the combination of high flap settings and sudden atmospheric disturbances, leading to a spin.
- Due to the low altitude at the time of the incident, recovery from the resulting spin was not possible.
- Contributing factors included adverse meteorological conditions and pilot judgment.