What happened
On September 18, 2016, at approximately 18:45 UTC, an Aero Boero AB-115, registration PP-GOA, was performing a local flight instruction mission at the Votuporanga Aerodrome (SDVG) in São Paulo, Brazil. The aircraft was operated by Aeroclube de Votuporanga and carried an instructor and a student pilot.
During the final approach for the second landing attempt of the flight, the aircraft touched down approximately 380 meters before the 1,000-foot marker, slightly to the left of the runway centerline. Upon touchdown, the aircraft yawed to the left and exited the runway onto the grass area. During the excursion, the aircraft struck a runway light and traveled approximately 70 meters. As the aircraft moved off the paved surface, the student pilot applied the brakes with excessive force upon spotting a ditch ahead. This sudden braking caused the propeller to strike the ground, leading the aircraft to overturn approximately 5 meters further along its path. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but both occupants were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft, the flight records, and the testimonies of the crew. The investigation confirmed that the instructor was highly experienced, with over 1,500 flight hours, and held valid flight instructor ratings. The student was in the early stages of flight training, having completed only two hours of total flight time.
The investigation found that the aircraft's maintenance logs, including the engine, propeller, and airframe, were up to date, and the aircraft was within weight and balance limits. Meteorological conditions were favorable, with good visibility and no significant wind. No mechanical failures were found in the flight controls, brakes, or landing gear. The investigation focused on the pilot's actions during the landing phase and the subsequent braking maneuver.