What happened
On August 15, 2013, at approximately 11:00 UTC, an instructional flight involving an instructor and a student began at the Brigadeiro Arari/pe Macedo Aerodrome in Luziânia, Brazil. The aircraft, a Xavante A-122-B with registration PP-KBP, was performing a primary flight training exercise (pre-solo phase).
During the takeoff roll from runway 29, the aircraft initially maintained the centerline for approximately 80 meters. However, the aircraft then began a constant leftward drift. Despite attempts to correct the deviation, the crew was unable to maintain the runway centerline. The aircraft exited the paved surface, entered a grassy area, and collided with a small protrusion in the ground. The impact caused substantial damage to the propeller, engine, landing gear, and fuselage. Both occupants of the aircraft were unharmed.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation established that the instructor was properly rated and experienced, and the aircraft's airworthiness documentation, including engine and propeller logs, were up to date. The weather conditions were favorable for visual flight.
Investigators noted a lack of a pre-flight briefing between the instructor and the student, as the student's first contact with the instructor occurred directly at the aircraft. Furthermore, there was evidence of cockpit conflict regarding flight controls; while the student believed they were operating the controls during the takeoff roll, the instructor reported that he was the one effectively controlling the aircraft. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's center of gravity could not be precisely determined because the weight and balance records did not account for the specific positioning of the crew.
Findings
- Improper application of flight controls to counteract engine torque effects.
- Lack of experience of the student pilot.
- Failure to conduct a pre-flight briefing to define instructional procedures.
- Discrepancy in cockpit management regarding which pilot was actively controlling the aircraft during the takeoff roll.