What happened
On March 7, 2020, an Air Tractor AT-502B, registration PR-ENZ, was performing a ferry flight from Aeródromo Fazenda Capivara to Aeródromo Fazenda Jaqueline in Vilhena, Rondônia. During the landing roll on runway 29, a grain truck entered the runway from the opposite end (runway 11) while traveling in the opposite direction of the aircraft.
The pilot attempted an immediate go-around to avoid the vehicle; however, the right wingtip struck the truck's cabin. The collision resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft and damage to the truck. The pilot and the truck driver were both uninjured. Following the impact, the pilot performed a second traffic pattern and landed the aircraft safely without further incident.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the infrastructure of the private airfield and the lack of physical separation between the runway and surrounding farm activities. Investigators utilized satellite imagery to determine that a dirt road ran parallel to the runway, separated by only 15 meters of grass. Near the runway thresholds, this distance narrowed significantly, making the boundaries between the road and the runway nearly indistinguishable.
At the time of the accident, the farm was in a harvest period, which significantly increased the volume of heavy machinery and trucks moving through the area. The investigation noted that while a sign existed to designate the landing area, there were no physical barriers to prevent vehicles from inadvertently entering the runway area. Furthermore, the aircraft was moved to a maintenance facility in Mato Grosso before investigators could examine the wreckage, a move that deviated from standard protocols regarding the preservation of accident sites.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the lack of adequate risk management regarding airfield infrastructure, specifically the absence of physical barriers to prevent unauthorized runway incursions.
- The proximity of the farm's dirt road to the runway thresholds created a high risk of confusion for vehicle operators.
- Increased heavy vehicle traffic during the harvest season contributed to the heightened risk of incursions.
- The pilot was fully qualified, with a valid commercial license and sufficient experience on the aircraft type.
- The aircraft was airworthy, properly maintained, and operating within weight and balance limits.
Safety action
CENIPA issued recommendations to the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to work with the airfield owner to implement infrastructure improvements that prevent the inadvertent access of pedestrians and vehicles to the runway. Additionally, a recommendation was made to the operator to emphasize compliance with Brazilian Aeronautical Code regulations regarding the unauthorized removal of aircraft from accident sites.