Cessna 152 Capsizes During Emergency Landing in Curitiba

Casualties unknown • CURITIBA, PR, BR

A flight instructor and student escaped uninjured after a Cessna 152 experienced engine oscillations and subsequently overturned during an emergency landing at a local hippodrome.

What happened

On July 5, 2013, a Cessna 152, registration PT-FLF, departed from Bacacheri Aerodrome (SBBI) for a planned three-hour navigation training flight. The flight plan included touch-and-go maneuvers at Joinville (SBJV) and Blumenau (SSBL) aerodromes.

Shortly after takeoff, while the aircraft was crossing 1,400 feet, the crew noticed engine oscillations. Although the initial intention was to return to Bacacheri, the instructor determined that the prevailing wind direction and intensity would make a landing at the home base unsafe. Consequently, the instructor elected to perform an emergency landing at a nearby hippodrome, located approximately one nautical mile from the departure airfield. Upon touchdown, the aircraft overturned, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, stabilizer, elevator, landing gear, both wings, and the engine.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators examined the mechanical condition of the powerplant following the occurrence. A technical follow-up report (RAT/007/SERIPA V/2013) confirmed that no abnormalities were found during the engine disassembly process. The investigation established that the cracks and damages observed in various components were the direct result of the impact with the ground during the capsize.

Findings

  • Pilot judgment regarding the decision to land at the hippodrome instead of returning to the departure airfield.
  • Limited experience of the pilot.
  • Engine performance oscillations occurring shortly after takeoff.

Probable cause

The accident was driven by the pilot's judgment and limited experience during an engine performance fluctuation, leading to an emergency landing that resulted in the aircraft overturning.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-07-05 aircraft accident near CURITIBA, PR, BR?

A flight instructor and student escaped uninjured after a Cessna 152 experienced engine oscillations and subsequently overturned during an emergency landing at a local hippodrome.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-07-05 involved a aircraft, registration PTFLF, at CURITIBA, PR, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was driven by the pilot's judgment and limited experience during an engine performance fluctuation, leading to an emergency landing that resulted in the aircraft overturning.

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