What happened
On August 3, 2001, a Cessna U206-G, registration PT-LEZ, departed from Boa Vista, RR, bound for Surumu, RR. The flight was carrying a pilot and six passengers. Upon arrival near Alto Mucajaí, RR, the crew encountered rain directly over the intended landing site, which was an unregistered strip within the SBR-701 restricted area.
After orbiting for approximately five minutes to wait for better visibility, the pilot attempted a landing. The first approach was aborted after the pilot lost visual contact with the runway during the short final. During a second landing attempt, the pilot encountered tailwind conditions and wind fluctuations. While executing a go-around, the aircraft's landing gear struck trees located at the end of the runway. This impact caused the aircraft to lose lift and collide with the ground, resulting in severe damage to the engine, propeller, wings, and tail surfaces. All seven occupants escaped without injury.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the deviation from the original flight plan and the decision-making process during the approach. The investigation established that the aircraft was operating in a restricted area without the required flight authorization (AVOAR) and was landing at an unregistered airstrip. Investigators examined the pilot's experience, the aircraft's maintenance status, and the meteorological conditions, including the presence of rain and unfavorable winds.
Findings
- Improper decision-making: The pilot's decision to attempt a landing in adverse weather was influenced by personal interests, as he was transporting a group of friends. This led to a loss of situational awareness and a delayed decision to initiate the go-around.
- Operational deviations: The flight was conducted with flight indiscipline, as the pilot intentionally diverted to an unauthorized location and carried unauthorized passengers.
- Adverse weather: The presence of rain and unpredictable wind currents, including a tailwind on final, significantly increased the risk of the operation.
- Inadequate execution: There is evidence that the pilot may not have applied sufficient power and pitch during the go-around to clear the obstacles at the runway end.
- Lack of oversight: The organizational management of the operator, Asas de Socorro, failed to provide effective supervision, allowing operations in restricted areas and at unregistered strips.