What happened
On December 3, 2017, at approximately 11:20 UTC, a Cessna A188B, registration PT-FFG, was performing an agricultural fungicide application at Fazenda Mundial in Tucumã, Pará. During the takeoff roll on a 1,0-kilometer runway, the pilot spotted a large animal, specifically a bovine, on the runway path.
In an attempt to avoid the animal, the pilot steered the aircraft to the right. Upon attempting to return to the center of the runway, the aircraft skidded and the pilot executed an abrupt left yaw to maintain the runway centerline. This maneuver resulted in a loss of control and a left-side excursion, causing the aircraft to collide with a fence located only three meters from the runway edge. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the engine group, landing gear, right wing, right flap, and fuel system. The pilot was uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators established that the aircraft was operating significantly above its maximum takeoff weight of 1,905 kg. The investigation noted that the increased mass likely extended the required stopping distance, making the maneuver to avoid the animal more difficult.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed a lack of effective wildlife control at the site, as livestock could access the operational area through open gates. The investigators also found that the aircraft was being used for commercial agricultural services despite being registered as a private operation, and the pilot was operating with an expired medical certificate. Notably, the occurrence was not reported to the investigation authority by the operator; CENIPA only became aware of the event through social media four days later. The aircraft was also removed from the scene without authorization from the investigating authority.
Findings
- Excessive weight: The aircraft was operating outside of its weight and balance limits.
- Wildlife presence: There was no effective control of fauna in the operational area.
- Infrastructure risks: The proximity of the fence to the runway edge increased the risk of collision during an excursion.
- Operational non-compliance: The operation was being conducted as a commercial service without the required Air Operator Certificate (COA).
- Pilot performance: Inadequate flight planning and risk assessment regarding the presence of livestock on the runway.