What happened
On February 23, 2013, at approximately 17:00 UTC, a Neiva P-56C, registration PP-GTI, was performing a private pilot training flight at the Fazenda Vale Eldorado (SDVH) airstrip in Atibaia, São Paulo. The aircraft, operated by Aeroclube da Estância de Atibaia, was in the takeoff roll on runway 22 when it drifted beyond the lateral limits of the runway.
After traveling approximately 200 meters along the ground at a speed of roughly 35 mph, the aircraft crossed the right edge of the runway and came to a stop in a grassy area about 2 meters from the runway side. The impact caused severe damage to the right landing gear and minor damage to the right wingtip. The two occupants—an instructor and a student—remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the flight conditions and crew performance. The investigation confirmed that the crew was properly qualified, held valid medical certificates, and the aircraft was airworthy, properly loaded, and within weight and balance limits. The investigation focused on the environmental conditions and the crew's response to the lateral drift during the takeoff roll.
Findings
- The presence of a left crosswind likely contributed to the aircraft's excursion from the runway.
- The instructor failed to take control of the aircraft in a timely manner, leaving insufficient time to correct the deviation before the aircraft left the paved surface.
- The incident highlights the necessity for heightened instructor vigilance during training flights to mitigate risks inherent to flight instruction.