What happened
On December 22, 2022, at approximately 10:15 UTC, an AT 502A aircraft, registration PP-IRC, departed from an agricultural airstrip at Fazenda Floresta, located in the municipality of Brasnorte, Mato Grosso. The aircraft was performing a ferry flight to Fazenda Pitanga, in Tangará da Serra.
During the climb, the aircraft encountered adverse meteorological conditions. The flight, which was intended to be conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), inadvertently entered Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). This transition led to a loss of control in flight and a subsequent high-energy collision with the ground. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact, and the pilot sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the aircraft was not certified for flight in IMC, as its flight manual prohibited operations in the presence of storms or icing conditions. Furthermore, the pilot did not hold an Instrument Flight Rating (IFRA), which is required for operating under instrument flight rules or in weather conditions below VFR minimums.
Meteorological analysis revealed that at the time of departure, the region experienced significant cloud coverage, with a ceiling estimated below 1,0 and visibility of less than 10 km. The investigation ruled out engine failure, noting that all maintenance records for the airframe, engine, and propeller were up to date and the aircraft was within weight and balance limits. The wreckage pattern and impact energy suggested the pilot likely experienced spatial disorientation due to the loss of visual ground references.
Findings
- The pilot was experienced in VFR operations but lacked the required instrument rating.
- The aircraft was not equipped or certified for IFR operations.
- Inadequate preflight weather assessment and the decision to proceed despite conditions below VFR minimums were primary contributing factors.
- Adverse weather, including heavy fog and drizzle, prevented the maintenance of visual references.
- The pilot's decision-making and flight planning failed to account for the prohibitive meteorological conditions along the route.