What happened
On September 24, 2021, at approximately 19:10 UTC, a Neiva EMB 201, registration PT-GIO, was conducting a local training flight near the Aeródromo Comandante Antônio Amilton Beraldo in Ponta Grossa, Paraná. The flight was part of an advanced mission for an agricultural pilot formation course.
During the mission, while performing maneuvers in a designated training area, the pilot executed a left-hand turn at a low altitude with a high bank angle. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a loss of lift and descended rapidly. The pilot attempted to pull back on the control column to mitigate the impact, but the aircraft's left main landing gear struck the ground, followed by the nose of the aircraft. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, though the pilot remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation examined the flight history, the training curriculum of the flight school, and the maintenance records of the aircraft. The investigation found that the pilot held valid medical and pilot licenses and was properly qualified for the type of operation. The aircraft was airworthy, within weight and balance limits, and all maintenance logs were up to date. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were favorable for flight.
Investigators also reviewed the flight school's training records. They noted that the evaluation forms used by instructors were inadequate, as they lacked specific objectives, flight sequences, and detailed performance metrics. Furthermore, the investigation found that the training schedule included periods of high-intensity flight missions with very little interval between them, which could hinder a student's ability to properly assimilate new skills. The investigation also noted a lack of instructor rotation, with only two instructors participating in the practical phase of the course.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a loss of lift during a high-bank, low-altitude turn.
- The pilot's limited experience in the specific aircraft model contributed to the accident.
- Inadequate flight evaluation forms failed to provide detailed feedback or identify specific student weaknesses.
- The training program lacked sufficient spacing between intensive flight missions, potentially impacting learning retention.
- The use of multiple different aircraft models within the same training course may have affected student adaptability.