What happened
On March 16, 2013, at Mal. Cunha Machado Airport (SBSL) in São Luís, Maranhão, a student pilot was conducting his first solo flight in a Cessna 152, registration PR-RMF. Earlier that morning, the student had completed a training session with an instructor, which included eight successful maneuvers, including takeoffs, emergency procedures, and landings. Following the session, the instructor deemed the student prepared to perform a solo flight consisting of a single visual traffic pattern and final landing.
During the takeoff roll on runway 09, the student pilot lost control of the aircraft at the moment of rotation. The aircraft veered to the left side of the runway, traveling across the grass area before coming to a stop after entering a storm drain. The pilot escaped the wreckage without injury, but the aircraft sustained severe damage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of control and the airworthiness of the aircraft. While the investigation noted that the aircraft's maintenance records indicated it was airworthy, investigators discovered that the most recent 100-hour inspection had been performed by a mechanic whose technical certification (CHT) had expired. However, the investigation found no direct link between these maintenance services and the cause of the accident.
Findings
- The student pilot was performing his first solo flight after being cleared by his instructor.
- The pilot lost control of the Cessna 152 specifically during the rotation phase of takeoff.
- Loss of control during rotation led the aircraft off the runway into a drainage gallery.
- The student pilot's medical certificate was valid, though he did not yet hold a pilot certificate (CHT).