What happened
On October 18, 2018, at approximately 17:10 UTC, a CAP-4 aircraft, registration PP-HCP, was conducting a local flight instruction mission at Silvio Name Junior Airport (SBMG) in Maringá, Brazil. The flight, operated by Aeroclube Regional de Maringá, involved an instructor and a student pilot performing touch-and-go maneuvers.
Following the completion of the fourth maneuver, the instructor observed an approaching adverse weather formation and proceeded to land the aircraft safely on runway 28. After landing, the crew taxied via taxiway "A" toward remote area number 2. As the aircraft passed in front of the passenger terminal, it was struck by a sudden, intense wind gust. The force of the wind caused the aircraft to capsize, eventually coming to rest on its back. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but both occupants escaped uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the meteorological conditions and the aircraft's maintenance records. Investigators confirmed that the pilots held valid medical certificates and the necessary flight qualifications. The aircraft held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and was within its weight and balance limits.
However, the investigation revealed discrepancies in the aircraft's maintenance logs. The engine, propeller, and airframe logbooks were not up to date; specifically, hours for August 2018 had been recorded in pencil, violating regulatory requirements for permanent ink, and September hours had not been entered at all.
Regarding the weather, the METAR at 17:00Z indicated calm conditions with light winds. However, a subsequent SPECI report at 17:00Z showed a rapid deterioration, with visibility dropping to 400 meters due to thunderstorms and heavy rain, and wind speeds increasing significantly to between 30 and 53 knots.
Findings
- The primary contributing factor was the occurrence of adverse meteorological conditions.
- The aircraft was struck by a severe wind gust while taxiing, which led to the capsize.
- Maintenance logbook entries for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not maintained according to regulatory standards.
- The pilots were properly qualified and the landing itself was performed without incident prior to the weather arrival.