What happened
On November 17, 2014, a Piper PA-25-235, registration PR-WIZ, was performing a local flight for the purpose of calibrating an agricultural spraying system. The aircraft departed from a private airstrip in Cidade Gaúcha, Paraná, operated by Pelicano Aviação Agrícola LTDA. ME.
After flying over the runway at a low altitude, the pilot initiated a series of maneuvers, including right and left turns, to pass over the area in a specific direction. While attempting a return maneuver (a tight reversal turn), the pilot lost control of the aircraft, which subsequently struck the ground. The impact occurred in a sugarcane plantation, and the aircraft was destroyed by the collision and a subsequent intense fire. The pilot sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, the pilot's experience, and the operational environment. The investigation confirmed that the PR-WIZ was airworthy, with valid maintenance logs and a valid Certificate of Airworthiness. The pilot held valid commercial and agricultural licenses, but the investigation noted that while the pilot was highly experienced in general aviation, they had only 22 hours of experience specifically in agricultural flight operations.
Investigators analyzed the flight path and the physical evidence at the crash site. The wreckage was concentrated, and the deformation of the propeller blades suggested the engine was producing normal power at the moment of impact. The investigation also looked into the company's safety management systems and the pilot's decision-making process during the low-altitude maneuver.
Findings
- Inadequate flight planning contributed to the accident, as the pilot's preparations did not include a detailed assessment of all flight stages.
- The pilot's limited experience in agricultural flight operations may have influenced the decision to execute a high-stress maneuver to demonstrate proficiency.
- A lack of standardized operational manuals and safety support systems within the operator's organization may have encouraged the use of informal, potentially unsafe, flight procedures.
- The execution of a tight reversal turn at low altitude likely led to an aerodynamic stall, potentially exacerbated by factors such as the aircraft's bank angle, proximity to obstacles, and the pilot's control inputs.
- The company's lack of formal safety supervision and standardized procedures contributed to a culture where informal guidance could override ideal operational parameters.