What happened
On December 26, 2012, a PA-28-181, registration PR-NAX, was conducting an air navigation instruction flight involving approach and go-around procedures at the Curvelo (SNQV) and Pará de Minas (SNPA) aerodromes. The flight, operated by Net Aviation Escola de Aviação Civil, included an instructor and a student on board.
During the go-around maneuver at the Pará de Minas Aerodrome, the aircraft entered a left turn and lost altitude, ultimately colliding with the ground in a pasture area near the runway at Milena Farm. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft by fire and caused two fatalities among the crew.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the meteorological conditions and the crew's decision-making process. While the initial meteorological briefing conducted one hour before takeoff indicated favorable conditions for visual flight, a significant weather change occurred shortly after. A SPECI message issued at 18:28 UTC warned of deteriorating conditions, including 20-knot winds, rain, thunderstorms, and cumulonimbus clouds.
The investigation examined whether the crew had access to this updated information. Because the briefing had been completed prior to the arrival of the SPECI, the crew may have been unaware of the intensifying storm cells. Furthermore, the investigation analyzed the aircraft's flight path and the physical evidence at the wreckage site, which showed the engine was still producing power at the moment of impact.
Findings
- The aircraft likely encountered windshear during the go-around procedure, which led to a loss of control and altitude.
- The crew may have proceeded with the instruction flight despite unfavorable weather due to an inadequate assessment of the changing meteorological conditions.
- The lack of updated meteorological information, specifically the contents of the SPECI message, likely contributed to the crew's decision to continue the mission.
- The flight was conducted under adverse weather conditions that were not properly accounted for in the flight planning.