What happened
On July 15, 2010, a Piper PA-46-350P, registration PR-CGQ, was preparing for departure from the Palmas Aerodrome (SBPJ) in Brazil. The aircraft, carrying one pilot and four passengers, had been parked in the sun for approximately 90 minutes in high temperatures ranging between 34 and 35 degrees Celsius.
In an effort to activate the aircraft's cooling system as quickly as possible, the pilot began the engine start sequence without strictly adhering to the established checklist. While the pilot was focused on connecting the passenger's seatbelt and activating the avionics, the aircraft began to move forward. Despite the pilot's attempt to apply the brakes and cut the fuel after noticing the imminent danger, the aircraft traveled 17 meters and struck a parked aircraft.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the pilot's deviation from standard operating procedures. The investigation established that the aircraft was airworthy and the pilot was properly licensed and experienced. The investigation noted that the extreme heat in the cabin created thermal discomfort, which motivated the pilot's haste. However, the investigation found that the pilot failed to apply the parking brake as required by the checklist before starting the engine. Furthermore, the pilot's attention was diverted to non-essential tasks, such as securing seatbelts and configuring radio units, while the aircraft was in motion.
Findings
- The pilot failed to apply the parking brake before initiating the engine start.
- The pilot deviated from the prescribed checklist sequence to expedite the use of the aircraft's air conditioning.
- The pilot's attention was diverted to secondary tasks, such as securing passenger seatbelts and configuring avionics, during the engine start process.
- The collision resulted in light damage to the propeller of PR-CGQ and damage to the leading edge and right fuel tank of the stationary aircraft.
- All five occupants of the Piper PA-46-350P were unharmed.