What happened
On December 16, 2013, at approximately 21:48 UTC, a Cessna 172A, registration PT-CNL, was conducting a night-time training flight departing from Our Lady of Fatima Aerodrome (SBW) in Teresina, Piauí. The aircraft was operated by Aeroclube do Ceará and was carrying two pilots—an instructor and a student—along with two passengers.
During the climb phase following a second touch-and-go landing procedure, the aircraft experienced an in-flight engine failure. This failure led to a rapid loss of control, with the aircraft entering a steep downward trajectory at an approximate 45-degree pitch-down angle during a left turn. The aircraft struck the ground approximately 130 meters from the left side of the runway threshold 02 and subsequently caught fire. All four occupants of the aircraft perished in the accident.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the mechanical failure, the crew's response, and the organizational oversight of the flight school. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance history, noting that while the engine and airframe records were up-to-date, the engine had recently undergone an inspection. The investigation also reviewed the instructor's training records, which noted historical difficulties with concentration during landing and slow decision-making during emergency situations.
Furthermore, the investigation scrutinized the operational environment of the Aeroclube do Ceará. It was discovered that the flight school was operating training activities in Teresina without adequate supervision from its headquarters. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was being operated with a defective artificial horizon and that the presence of passengers on a training flight violated established regulations.
Findings
- Failure to maintain control: The primary causal factor was the delay or failure to apply appropriate flight controls to prevent the loss of control following the engine failure.
- Organizational deficiencies: The flight school lacked proper management and monitoring of its remote training activities, allowing a single professional to serve as both instructor and course coordinator.
- Regulatory violations: The flight was conducted in violation of regulations regarding the presence of passengers on training flights, which also contributed to an increased aircraft weight.
- Inadequate supervision: There was a lack of oversight regarding the airworthiness of the aircraft (specifically the defective artificial horizon) and the qualification of personnel performing coordination duties.