What happened
On September 15, 2013, a Cessna 180C, registration PT-IGA, departed from Aragarças Aerodrome (SJVO) in Goiás, Brazil, for a scenic flight. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and three passengers. After approximately 15 minutes of flight, the aircraft returned to Aragarças for landing on runway 10.
During the landing sequence, the pilot executed an excessively high approach, resulting in the aircraft touching down approximately 350 meters from the runway threshold. The aircraft bounced several times before stabilizing on the runway. After traveling roughly 140 meters along the centerline, the aircraft began to veer to the left. In an attempt to correct the deviation, the pilot applied differential right braking. This maneuver, combined with the weight distribution on the landing gear, caused the right tire to burst and detach from the wheel. The resulting friction and force tore the right landing gear structure from the aircraft, causing the right wing to strike the ground and the aircraft to overturn. A small fire ignited during the excursion but was quickly extinguished.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by SERIPA VI established that the pilot was not properly rated for this aircraft type, holding only a recreational pilot certificate (CPR) which did not meet the requirements for operating this specific equipment. While the aircraft's documentation and maintenance records were up to date and weather conditions were favorable for VFR flight, the pilot's lack of qualification was a critical factor.
Furthermore, the investigation noted that the operator failed to promptly notify the investigative authority (SERIPA VI) and moved the aircraft from the accident site using a truck before investigators could arrive. This unauthorized removal of wreckage violated the Brazilian Aeronautical Code, as it altered the original scene of the accident.
Findings
- The pilot was unqualified to operate the specific aircraft type.
- The landing approach was excessively high, leading to a long touchdown.
- The application of differential braking caused a tire failure and subsequent structural failure of the landing gear.
- The aircraft overturned due to the loss of the right landing gear leg.
- The operator failed to notify the authorities and moved the wreckage before the initial investigation could be conducted.