What happened
On April 28, 2012, at approximately 20:00 UTC, a Piper PA-28R-200, registration PT-IKF, was conducting a local flight departing from the Pousada das Águias Aerodrome (SSXO) in Presidente Castelo Branco, Paraná. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and three passengers. During the final approach phase of the flight, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, resulting in a collision with the ground. Despite the impact, all four occupants escaped without injury, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the meteorological conditions at the nearby Maringá Aerodrome (SBMG), located 13 nautical miles from the accident site. Reports indicated significant wind activity, with gusts reaching 20 knots and a crosswind component at the upper limit of the aircraft's operational capabilities. The pilot reported that a sudden wind gust caused the loss of control and that control inputs were insufficient to recover the aircraft. The investigation also noted that the operator failed to notify the authorities of the occurrence and removed the aircraft from the accident site without authorization from SERIPA V.
Findings
- The pilot's decision-making was a contributing factor, as the flight was conducted despite known significant variations in wind direction and intensity.
- Adverse meteorological conditions, specifically wind gusts and crosswind components at the aircraft's operational limits, contributed to the event.
- Ineffective application of flight controls during the critical phase of flight led to the loss of control.