What happened
On May 15, 2008, at approximately 20:15 UTC, an IPE 02B glider, registration PP-FJS, was conducting a local flight instruction mission at the Novo Hamburgo Aerodrome (SSNH) in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The aircraft was occupied by an instructor and a student.
During the final approach to runway 20, the instructor determined that the aircraft was on a high glide slope and deployed the aerodynamic brake (spoiler). Shortly after, the instructor realized the aircraft was losing too much altitude and retracted the spoiler. However, due to the loss of energy and the influence of a downdraft, the glider could not maintain sufficient altitude to clear an obstacle. The aircraft struck a fence post located near the runway threshold, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. Both occupants were unharmed.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed that runway 20 was officially closed for landings due to the presence of obstacles that violated the aerodrome's protection zone, as established by NOTAM E1584/2005. Despite this restriction, the flight club's pilots had been routinely using the runway for landings, often attempting the shortest possible touchdown to expedite subsequent operations.
The investigation also scrutinized the flight club's instructional standards. It was discovered that during the instructor's training course, only ten out of forty-four flight logs had been correctly completed. Furthermore, the instructor had limited experience with the aircraft type, with only 54 hours of flight time in the IPE 02B.
Findings
- Improper pilot judgment regarding the glide slope and the use of the aerodynamic brake.
- Flight indiscipline resulting from the failure to comply with NOTAM restrictions regarding runway 20.
- Inadequate management supervision of both flight operations and the flight instruction process.
- Substandard instructional oversight, evidenced by poorly maintained flight training records.
- Aerodrome infrastructure issues, specifically the presence of a fence post near the runway threshold.
- Limited pilot experience in the specific aircraft model.