Runway Excursion Involves Agricultural Aircraft in Bahia

Casualties unknown • SãO DESIDéRIO, BA, BR

A Thrush S2R-H80 aircraft veered off the runway during landing at a private airfield in São Desidério, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.

What happened

On November 19, 2024, a Thrush S2R-H80, registration PP-LUI, departed from Aeródromo Fazenda Serrana in São Desidério, Bahia, to perform a functional check of its agricultural spraying system. The flight, conducted for agricultural purposes, involved the pilot discharging 600 liters of water over crops during the mission.

Upon returning to the airfield, the pilot attempted a landing on runway 07. The pilot chose this specific runway heading to avoid flying at a low altitude near an adjacent highway located near the opposite end of the strip. During the landing roll, approximately 600 meters from the touchdown point, the aircraft drifted to the right. The aircraft traveled roughly 100 meters outside the lateral limit of the runway, striking a wire fence and continuing for another 60 meters before coming to a complete stop. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, though the pilot remained uninjured.

The investigation

The CENIPA investigation established that while the aircraft was airworthy, with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and up-to-date maintenance logs, the pilot did not meet the requirements for recent experience. Records indicated the pilot had not operated this type of aircraft as pilot-in-command within the 90 days preceding the accident, violating Brazilian Civil Aviation Regulation (RBAC) 61.21.

Investigators also examined the airfield's infrastructure. The windsock, located near runway 25, was difficult to view when landing on runway 07. The investigation considered whether a sudden left crosswind might have contributed to the loss of directional control. Additionally, the investigation looked into the pilot's decision-making regarding the choice of runway and the use of braking techniques during the excursion.

Findings

  • The pilot lacked recent flight experience required by regulations to operate the aircraft as pilot-in-command.
  • The placement of the windsock near the opposite runway end may have hindered the pilot's ability to accurately assess wind conditions during the landing.
  • Potential factors included an unobserved crosswind and the possibility that braking inputs were insufficient to maintain the runway centerline.
  • The pilot's decision-making process regarding runway selection and operational alternatives was identified as a contributing factor.

Probable cause

The accident was driven by the pilot's lack of recent flight experience and potentially inadequate decision-making regarding runway selection and wind assessment, compounded by the difficulty in viewing the windsock from the landing runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2024-11-19 aircraft accident near SãO DESIDéRIO, BA, BR?

A Thrush S2R-H80 aircraft veered off the runway during landing at a private airfield in São Desidério, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2024-11-19 involved a aircraft, registration PPLUI, at SãO DESIDéRIO, BA, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was driven by the pilot's lack of recent flight experience and potentially inadequate decision-making regarding runway selection and wind assessment, compounded by the difficulty in viewing the windsock from the landing runway.

Loading the flight search…