What happened
On July 27, 2013, a Piper PA-28-140, registration PT-DPU, was performing a ferry flight from Itaperuna to Francisco de Assis. As the aircraft approached the Juiz de Fora Aerodrome, the pilot opted for a direct approach to runway 21 to shorten the traffic pattern. This resulted in a high and fast final approach.
The aircraft touched down approximately 600 meters from the end of the runway. During the landing roll, the pilot lost directional control, causing the aircraft to drift toward the right edge of the runway. After traveling 30 meters beyond the runway limit, the aircraft exited the right side of the pavement and descended into a vegetated slope located 4 meters below the level of the runway threshold. The impact caused substantial damage to the wingtips, wing spars, propeller, and landing gear. The pilot was uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators reviewed the flight history and the pilot's credentials. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held valid medical and technical certifications, though the pilot had limited experience, with only 8 hours and 10 minutes of flight time in the specific model and 82 total flight hours. The aircraft was within weight and balance limits, and its airworthiness certificate was valid.
Analysis of the landing performance indicated that, according to the pilot's manual, the required landing distance at the aerodrome's density altitude was approximately 525 feet (158m) when using full flaps and maximum braking. However, the pilot's decision to execute a high-speed, direct approach contributed to the loss of control during the landing phase.