What happened
On September 16, 2016, a Piper PA-46-350P, registration PR-CAC, was performing a VFR passenger transport flight from Itaituba, PA, to Novo Progresso, PA. The flight involved one pilot and one passenger.
As the aircraft approached the landing strip at Novo Progresso (SJNP), the pilot encountered light fog, though conditions remained suitable for flight. During the landing flare, the pilot applied engine power. Due to the torque effect of the propeller rotation, the aircraft experienced a rightward yaw. This maneuver caused the aircraft to touch down on the right edge of the runway, where the right wingtip struck adjacent vegetation. The aircraft then veered further right, causing the right main landing gear to strike a small mound of earth. The impact caused the aircraft to rotate 150 degrees around its vertical axis, ultimately coming to a stop facing the opposite direction of the landing. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but both occupants were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's credentials, and the airfield infrastructure. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy, properly balanced, and that all engine and propeller logs were up to date. The pilot held valid medical and single-engine land certifications and was experienced with the airfield.
Investigators analyzed the runway conditions at SJNP, noting that the strip was composed of laterite (piçarra) and lacked clearly defined runway markings. The investigation also focused on the pilot's decision-making regarding the landing point and the impact of the airfield's physical environment on the excursion.