What happened
On September 19, 2015, at approximately 20:30 UTC, a Piper PA-46-350P, registration PP-AAM, was conducting a flight from Barreiras (SNDH) to Santa Rita de Cássia (SNKS), Brazil. During the flight, the crew decided to survey active fire outbreaks near Fazenda Guatambu. During this survey, the passenger—who was also the aircraft owner—experienced a medical emergency, prompting the pilot to divert from the original flight plan.
Seeking to assist the passenger, the pilot elected to land on an unregistered, unhomologated dirt strip located on the Guatambu farm. The strip, measuring approximately 2,000 by 70 meters, lacked any formal infrastructure or registration. During the landing roll, the aircraft lost directional control to the left, striking a perimeter fence. The impact caused the aircraft to rotate approximately 160 degrees from its original landing heading. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the wings, main landing gear, and nose gear, along with minor damage to the propeller blades. Both the pilot and the passenger were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the diversion and the landing execution. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held valid medical and technical certifications and that the aircraft was airworthy and within weight and balance limits. The investigation focused on the decision-making process regarding the use of an unregistered landing site and the mechanical state of the aircraft during the landing roll.
Investigators noted that the left main landing gear tire was found to be deflated during the initial response. This condition was identified as a potential factor in the loss of directional control during the ground roll.
Findings
- Flight planning
- Pilot judgment