What happened
On April 12, 2011, an AeroBoero AB-115, registration PP-GCT, was performing a flight instruction mission at the Blumenau Aerodrome (SSBL) in Santa Catarina, Brazil. The flight was part of a Private Pilot (PPR) training program, specifically an advanced proficiency maneuver.
During the takeoff roll on runway 36, the student pilot noted a leftward yaw tendency due to engine torque and applied right rudder to maintain the centerline. However, once the student raised the tail to the flying position after reaching the minimum control speed on the ground (VMCG), the aircraft suddenly yawed to the right and exited the runway. The instructor took control and reduced power, but the aircraft continued to veer right, striking a drainage ditch located at the edge of the runway. The impact caused substantial damage to the main landing gear struts, along with minor damage to the propeller, engine, and left wing. Both the instructor and the student pilot were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed several critical issues regarding flight training oversight and pilot experience. While the instructor held a valid license, they had only been instructing for two months and possessed limited experience in this specific instructional role. The investigation also found that the student had a documented history of operational difficulties with takeoffs and landings, which were noted in previous flight logs but lacked clear, objective descriptions from instructors.
Furthermore, the investigation identified a lack of managerial supervision. The flight records for the student lacked the necessary signatures and reviews from the Flight Instruction Director or the Course Coordinator. This lack of oversight meant that the student's progressive difficulties were not being properly monitored or addressed by the flight school's management.
Findings
- Improper control inputs during the takeoff roll.
- Limited instructor experience in the instructional role.
- Errors in pilot judgment regarding aircraft control.
- Inadequate managerial supervision of the flight training program.
- The aircraft was operating 17 kg above the maximum weight limit specified by the manufacturer.