What happened
On September 6, 2018, a Beechcraft A100, registration PT-LJN, departed from Goiânia (SBGO) bound for Ceres (SWCZ) to transport a group of people. During the flight, the intended destination was changed to an uncertified and unregistered landing area in Itapaci, Goiás.
As the aircraft attempted to land at this unauthorized location, it touched down before the intended area and struck a wire fence. The impact caused the aircraft to lose control and slide into the right side of the landing area, eventually coming to a stop facing the opposite direction of its original travel. Despite the substantial damage to the airframe, the pilot and the nine passengers were all unharmed.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators confirmed that the pilot was fully qualified, holding a valid multi-engine land rating and a current medical certificate. The aircraft was also found to be in an airworthy condition, with all maintenance logs up to date and the aircraft operating within proper weight and balance limits. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were favorable for flight.
The investigation revealed that while the flight plan (FPL) officially listed Ceres as the destination, the actual intent was to land at the unregistered site in Itapaci to meet a political campaign committee. Investigators noted that the aircraft, owned by an air taxi company, was being operated under a lease agreement by a gubernatorial campaign committee.
Findings
- Non-compliance with regulations: The crew attempted to use an airfield that was not registered or approved for the aircraft type or the intended operation, violating established Brazilian aeronautical regulations.
- Pilot judgment: The decision to deviate from the filed flight plan to land at an uncertified location contributed to the accident.
- Operational risk: The pilot's attitude and judgment regarding the risks of landing at an unmapped, non-homologated site were key contributing factors.