What happened
On June 14, 2009, a student pilot was conducting a solo flight at the Canela Aerodrome (SSCN) in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The flight was part of a training session consisting of takeoff and landing practice. After completing five successful dual-instruction landings, the instructor authorized the student to perform a solo circuit.
The student executed a standard traffic pattern, maintaining the required altitude and airspeed. The approach was performed with the aircraft aligned with the runway centerline and flaps set at 15 degrees. The aircraft touched down in a three-point attitude. However, during the landing rollout, approximately 100 meters after touchdown, the aircraft began to oscillate directionally. The student was unable to maintain directional control, causing the aircraft to swing 270 degrees to the left. The aircraft exited the paved runway and the right wingtip struck the grass area. The aircraft sustained severe damage, though the pilot remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the student's training background and the operational oversight at the Aeroclube de Canela. Investigators found that the student had recently resumed flight training after a seven-month hiatus and had only accumulated 11 hours and 20 minutes of experience in the AB-115.
The investigation revealed significant organizational deficiencies at the flight club. The training program for students transitioning from other aeroclubes was not formalized, with flight exercises being determined solely at the instructor's discretion. Furthermore, the club's evaluation forms did not comply with regulatory standards (MCA 58-3/2004), lacking essential fields for instructor recommendations and coordinator oversight. The investigation also noted the absence of an updated Aeronautical Accident Prevention Program (PPAA) at the facility.
Findings
- Inadequate flight experience: The student's limited experience in the AB-115 was insufficient to effectively correct the directional oscillations during the landing rollout.
- Ineffective control application: The pilot failed to apply appropriate control inputs to maintain the aircraft on the runway centerline.
- Lack of standardized instruction: The adaptation flights did not follow a formal, documented instructional program.
- Deficient management supervision: There was a lack of oversight by the flight instructor coordinator, as evidenced by the absence of supervisory comments on flight records.
- Regulatory non-compliance: The flight club's performance evaluation forms and safety programs were not in accordance with established aviation standards.