What happened
On September 26, 2017, an Aero Boero AB-115, registration PP-FGQ, was performing a local flight instruction mission at Bacacheri Aerodrome (SBBI) in Curitiba, Brazil. The aircraft was occupied by a pilot-instructor and a student pilot.
During the takeoff roll on runway 18, the aircraft drifted toward the right side of the runway. As the crew attempted to correct the deviation and return to the runway centerline, the nose of the aircraft lowered, causing the propeller to strike the ground. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the engine and propeller, as well as minor damage to the spinner and exhaust. Both occupants escaped the occurrence without injury.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the operational and organizational aspects of the flight. Investigators examined the aircraft's weight and balance, noting that the aircraft was operating at 806.30 kg, which exceeded the manufacturer's maximum takeoff weight of 770 kg. Additionally, the center of gravity (CG) was found to be beyond the rear limit.
The investigation also reviewed the student's training progress and the instructor's decision-making. While the instructor was qualified and experienced, the investigation looked into why the instructor did not intervene when the student began to lose directional control. Furthermore, the investigation identified that the aircraft's maintenance logbooks were outdated, though no technical failure was identified as a cause for the loss of control.
Findings
- Inadequate use of controls: The student pilot struggled to maintain the aircraft on the runway centerline, likely due to ineffective rudder use during the takeoff run.
- Delayed instructor intervention: The instructor's decision to allow the student to correct the deviation without taking control contributed to the loss of control.
- Weight and balance errors: The aircraft was operated outside of the manufacturer's specified weight and balance parameters, with an overweight condition and an aft CG that impaired rudder effectiveness.
- Managerial oversight: There was a lack of adequate supervision by the operator regarding the planning and execution of technical and operational activities, specifically regarding weight limits.