What happened
On July 20, 2010, a Cessna 172, registration PT-CPT, was conducting a flight mission to film a documentary over the Lajeado State Park in Palmas, Tocantins. The flight, which was being operated as an unauthorized air taxi service, involved a pilot and two passengers. After landing on an uncertified, unpaved strip within the park boundaries, the pilot attempted two subsequent takeoffs to facilitate aerial filming.
The first takeoff attempt from runway 17 was aborted midway due to insufficient airspeed. During the second attempt, departing from runway 35, the aircraft reached approximately 80 km/h before the pilot applied a 10-degree flap setting and pulled back firmly on the control column. This maneuver caused the airspeed to drop to 60 km/h immediately after liftoff, placing the aircraft in a pre-stall condition. In an attempt to regain speed, the pilot retracted the flaps, leading to a loss of lift. To avoid an obstacle, the pilot turned the aircraft 10 degrees to the left, but the aircraft ultimately struck the ground approximately 900 meters from the runway threshold. The accident resulted in one serious injury and two light injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the flight was being operated as a public air transport service (TPX) using a private category (TPP) aircraft, in violation of current regulations. The investigation found that the pilot was not qualified or experienced enough for this specific type of operation and had filed the flight plan under another pilot's name.
Investigators examined the uncertified runway, which was composed of irregular dirt with holes and vegetation. They also noted that the aircraft was operating with a door removed and using procedures not outlined in the manufacturer's manual. Physical evidence from the propeller indicated that the engine was producing power at the moment of impact, confirming that no engine failure occurred during the sequence of events.
Findings
- Inadequate pilot technique, specifically the improper use of flight controls and flap retraction during a critical phase of flight.
- Unauthorized commercial operation of a private aircraft for air taxi services by an unqualified pilot.
- Unsuitable takeoff conditions, including a tailwind, an irregular unpaved runway surface, and high friction levels that degraded aircraft performance.
- Poor flight planning and management, including the use of an uncertified landing strip and improper flight plan documentation.
- Presence of terrain obstacles near the end of the runway that the aircraft could not safely clear due to the loss of airspeed.