What happened
On October 12, 2017, an EA 300/LC, registration PR-XLX, was performing a local aerobatic flight departing from Prefeito Francisco Amaral Aerodrome in Campinas, Brazil. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot initiated an inverted flight maneuver at a very low altitude. During this maneuver, the aircraft's vertical stabilizer and rudder made contact with the runway pavement. This impact led to a subsequent loss of control, causing the propeller to strike the ground. The aircraft dragged along the runway, veered left, and exited the runway pavement into an adjacent grassy area, coming to rest in an inverted position. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the engine, propeller, vertical stabilizer, rudder, right wing, canopy, and engine hood, while the pilot remained unharmed.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's configuration and the pilot's recent history. The investigation revealed that the aircraft's fuel tanks were nearly full, despite the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) stating that aerobatic maneuvers should be performed with the wing tanks empty. The pilot admitted to forgetting to check the fuel levels during the pre-flight inspection. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the pilot's physiological state, noting that the pilot had been experiencing insomnia and using unidentified medication to assist with sleep. The investigation also assessed the flight parameters, finding that the pilot executed the inverted maneuver at a height and speed significantly below safe established limits.
Findings
- Inadequate piloting judgment regarding the aircraft's response to the inverted maneuver at unsafe altitude and airspeed.
- Inadequate attention to safety protocols, specifically the failure to verify that wing tanks were empty for aerobatic flight.
- Potential degradation of psychophysical skills due to fatigue, insomnia, and the effects of self-medication.
- The pilot's emotional state and personal stressors may have contributed to a reduction in alertness and decision-making capacity.