What happened
On June 29, 2023, a Cessna 182S, registration PT-WOJ, was conducting a private flight from Araçatuba, São Paulo, to Itajá, Goiás. Although the flight plan specified a destination of Aeródromo Fazenda Morada Nova, the pilot diverted the flight to an agricultural landing area at Fazenda São Francisco do Salto in Itarumã, Goiás, to accommodate the passengers' actual destination.
During the landing sequence, the aircraft touched down approximately 490 meters from the threshold of the dirt strip. Following the touchdown, the aircraft experienced a period of floating before a more abrupt contact with the surface occurred, causing the aircraft to bounce back into flight. As the pilot attempted a go-around, the aircraft drifted to the left, eventually striking a perimeter fence. The impact caused the left wing and propeller to drag along the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. All three occupants—the pilot and two passengers—remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's credentials, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid commercial license and medical certificate, though they had relatively limited experience, with only 120 flight hours recorded. The aircraft was found to be airworthy, with valid documentation and within weight and balance limits.
Investigators analyzed the landing strip, which was an unpaved agricultural area. While the pilot reported experiencing a strong wind gust during the landing, meteorological data from CIMAER indicated favorable flying conditions with no significant weather phenomena or high winds predicted for the area. Notably, the investigation found the aircraft's flaps were in the retracted position during the landing phase. The investigators also noted that the use of the agricultural strip for non-agricultural purposes was in disagreement with Brazilian Civil Aviation Regulations (RBAC 137).
Findings
- The pilot's inadequate application of flight controls during the go-around attempt led to the loss of directional control.
- The pilot's decision-making and attitude during the landing phase contributed to the excursion.
- The pilot's limited flight experience may have affected the recognition of the aircraft'floating on the runway and the subsequent delayed decision to initiate a go-around.
- The presence of a probable tailwind component likely contributed to the aircraft floating excessively down the runway.