What happened
On October 3, 2022, at approximately 20:51 UTC, a WEGA aircraft, registration PU-ERW, crashed into Guaíba Lake in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The aircraft had departed from Aeródromo Fazenda Jacuí (SSRJ) for a local flight. After reaching its intended altitude and maintaining level flight for several minutes, the aircraft began experiencing wide and abrupt variations in roll and pitch commands. This led to a total loss of control, sending the aircraft into a descending trajectory that ended in a high-speed impact with the water. The impact destroyed the aircraft and resulted in fatal injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators analyzed wreckage, radar data from CINDACTA II, and non-volatile memory from two electronic devices installed on the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the engine, including oil pressure, temperature, and fuel flow, was functioning normally throughout the flight. The propeller blades showed evidence of being in a high-power state at the moment of impact. While the aircraft had undergone wing structural modifications earlier in 2022 to increase fuel capacity, investigators found no evidence that this modification contributed to the accident.
Psychological profiling of the pilot was also conducted. The investigation noted that the pilot's flight control inputs were consistent with the execution of acrobatic maneuvers. The investigation also examined the pilot's social environment, noting a potential influence from a social circle that encouraged high-risk behaviors and exhibitionism.
Findings
- Improper use of flight controls: The pilot executed wide and abrupt control inputs, which induced an aerodynamic stall or loss of control condition.
- Pilot attitude: The pilot demonstrated a predisposition toward risk-taking and an excess of confidence in his piloting abilities, which likely led to the attempt at unauthorized maneuvers.
- External influences: A social environment characterized by a culture of ostentation and the encouragement of daring behaviors may have influenced the pilot's risk assessment and decision-making processes.