What happened
On July 16, 2012, an Aero Boero AB-115, registration PP-GLS, was operating a flight from São José do Rio Preto to Santa Fé do Sul for flight instruction purposes. During the initial flight, the crew experienced engine RPM fluctuations, prompting the instructor to perform an emergency landing at the Fazenda Três Irmãos Aerodrome.
Following corrective maintenance performed on-site, the instructor attempted to ferry the aircraft back to São José do Rio Preto the following day. Approximately 300 meters after departing from runway 07 at SILT, the aircraft drifted to the right and struck a contour line (earthwork). The impact caused the failure of the right main landing gear, and the aircraft came to a stop 100 meters from the runway centerline.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the ground excursion and the subsequent handling of the incident. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's qualifications, and the regulatory compliance of the flight club. The investigation also addressed the fact that the aircraft underwent repairs and was relocated to Penápolis without notifying the regional investigation agency (SERIPA IV).
Findings
- The pilot held valid medical and technical certifications and was qualified for the aircraft type.
- The aircraft was airworthy, within weight and balance limits, and had up-to-date maintenance logs.
- The right main landing gear, right wing, and right wing strut sustained substantial damage due to the impact with the terrain.
- The pilot was uninjured.
- Failure to notify the regulatory authority of the occurrence and performing unauthorized maintenance/relocation were identified as regulatory violations of the Brazilian Aeronautical Code and SIPAER notification standards.