What happened
On March 17, 2014, at 18:48 UTC, an Aero Boero AB-115, registration PP-FHN, was performing a final private pilot check flight at Bacacheri Aerodrome (SBBI) in Curitiba, Brazil. The flight was being conducted by an instructor and a student pilot from Aeroclube do Paraná.
After completing the final landing, the aircraft began taxiing to vacate the runway at intersection Charlie. During the maneuver, the aircraft was traveling at a speed higher than normal for taxiing. In an attempt to slow the aircraft, the student pilot applied the brakes. Simultaneously, the instructor applied the brakes, believing the student was not applying sufficient pressure. This simultaneous application of braking force caused the aircraft's tail to lift, resulting in the propeller and spinner striking the ground. The impact caused substantial damage to the propeller, spinner, and exhaust system. Both occupants were uninjured.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation established that the aircraft was airworthy, within weight and balance limits, and properly maintained. Both pilots held valid medical and technical certificates, and the instructor was highly experienced with nearly 3,000 total flight hours.
Investigators found that the student pilot had a documented history of difficulty maintaining correct taxi speeds and using brakes appropriately, as noted in three previous flight logs. However, the flight school's management and course coordination had failed to note these recurring difficulties or intervene. Despite these performance issues, the student was permitted to proceed to the final check flight.
Findings
- Lack of cockpit coordination between the instructor and the student pilot during the braking maneuver.
- Inadequate flight instruction regarding the student's specific learning difficulties.
- Deficient management supervision, as the flight school's oversight failed to address the student's documented lack of proficiency in taxiing and braking.
- Improper pilot judgment regarding taxi speed and braking intensity.