What happened
On June 9, 2013, a Piper PA-3-300, registration PR-APH, operated by Heiss Táxi Aéreo Ltda, was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Belém, PA, to Chaves, PA, carrying two passengers. During the flight, the pilot decided to deviate from the filed flight plan to proceed to Anajás, PA, specifically to survey the site of an accident involving another company aircraft that had occurred the previous day.
While performing a low-altitude flyover of Anajás, the aircraft collided with a communication tower. Following the impact, the pilot performed an emergency landing on the main street of the municipality, which was being used as an improvised landing strip. The collision caused a portion of the tower's antenna to fall onto the roof of a house under construction. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the propeller, engine, and horizontal stabilizer, as well as significant damage to the landing gear during the emergency landing. All three occupants of the aircraft escaped without injury.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation established that the pilot was qualified and held valid medical and technical certifications. The aircraft was within weight and balance limits, and maintenance records indicated that the 100-hour inspection was up to date. However, the investigation determined that the flight was conducted in violation of the Brazilian Aeronautical Code, as the pilot deviated from the authorized flight plan and performed low-altitude maneuvers over a populated area.
Findings
- Flight indiscipline regarding deviation from the filed flight plan and unauthorized low-altitude flight over a town.
- Inadequate flight planning.
- Use of an uncertified and inadequate landing strip (a public street) for an emergency landing.