What happened
On November 26, 2018, a Cessna C5/525 aircraft, registration PP-OEG, was performing a private flight from Belo Horizonte to the Fortaleza de Santa Terezinha Farm Aerodrome in Jequitaí, MG. The flight was carrying a pilot in command and three passengers.
During the final approach to runway 20, the aircraft struck a metallic irrigation pivot located on the extension of the runway axis. The impact with the structure, which was approximately 7 meters high, caused the aircraft to strike the ground 65 meters before the runway threshold. Following the initial impact, the pilot attempted a go-around procedure; however, the aircraft lost control, entered a descending left turn, and crashed into the terrain 500 meters away from the first impact point. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and a subsequent fire, and the pilot and three passengers sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators determined that an irrigation pivot was positioned in a way that obstructed the approach surface by 4.36 meters. The investigation found that the aircraft was flying on a much flatter approach angle than required, measuring approximately 1.5° compared to the standard 3.3° approach ramp.
Evidence suggested that the flight preparation was insufficient, as the farm employees were not notified of the aircraft's arrival early enough to reposition the pivot. Additionally, while the pilot was highly experienced, the presence of another pilot on board—who was acting as a passenger because they lacked the specific type rating for the C525—may have increased the pilot's workload due to instructional demonstrations during the flight.
Findings
- Airport infrastructure: The irrigation pivot was positioned in the runway alignment, impairing the approach surface gauge.
- Piloting judgment: The final approach was executed below the ideal approach ramp, leading to the collision.
- Flight planning: There was a lack of timely coordination with farm personnel to ensure the obstacle was moved prior to arrival.
- Perception: It is possible the pilot failed to notice the obstacle during the approach.