What happened
On December 7, 2022, a RANS Coyote II (registration PU-BMR) was conducting a local scenic flight departing from Brigadeiro Arari andaripe Macedo Airport (SWUZ) in Luziânia, Goiás. The flight, carrying a pilot and one passenger, lasted approximately 25 minutes.
During the landing attempt on runway 29, the pilot observed rain showers in the northern sector of the airfield and decided to return to the airport early to avoid potential weather interference. However, the approach was performed in an unstabilized manner, characterized by a higher-than-normal glide slope and excessive airspeed. The aircraft made a heavy impact with the runway, which caused the propeller assembly to sustain damage and the nose landing gear to collapse. Consequently, the aircraft veered off the left side of the runway. Both occupants were uninjured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the pilot's qualifications and the technical aspects of the landing. While the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid and the maintenance logs were up to date, investigators found that the pilot was operating with an expired single-engine land (MNTE) rating, which had lapsed in August 2022. Although the pilot held a valid medical certificate, the lack of a valid rating meant he was not legally qualified to command the aircraft for the flight.
Investigators also examined the flight's decision-making process. The pilot's decision to land prematurely due to perceived weather changes, combined with the execution of an unstable approach, was central to the accident analysis. The investigation also noted a discrepancy in recorded flight hours, as the pilot's official records showed only two hours, while he claimed approximately 100 hours of total flight time.
Findings
- Improper pilot judgment and decision-making regarding the approach.
- Unstabilized approach involving excessive speed and a high glide slope.
- Inadequate application of flight controls during the landing phase.
- The pilot was operating with an expired single-engine land rating.
- The aircraft was within weight and balance limits and maintained in an airworthy condition.