What happened
On April 21, 2013, a Cirrus SR20, registration PR-ETJ, was conducting a private pilot training flight at Jundiaí Airport (SBJD) in São Paulo. The flight, operated by EJ Escola de Aeronáutica Civil Ltda, included an instructor and a student pilot.
Following a landing under visual flight rules (VFR) conditions, the pilot applied the left brake to initiate a turn onto the taxiway. As the aircraft entered the taxiway, both brakes were applied to reduce speed in accordance with checklist procedures. This excessive braking caused the aircraft to yaw sharply to the left, leading it to veer off the taxiway and into a grassy area. During the excursion, the propeller blades struck taxiway lighting, causing the aircraft to come to a stop. Both occupants were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators, accompanied by a certified mechanic, conducted functional tests on the aircraft's braking system. The investigation confirmed that the brake fluid reservoir was at the manufacturer's ideal level and that there were no ruptures in the lines. A small leak was noted in the left wheel brake assembly, but it was determined that this leak did not affect the effectiveness of the braking system, as the fluid level had not dropped.
The investigation also noted that the instructor had approximately two hours of flight time in this specific aircraft type and was supervising the student's first flight in the model. It was determined that the instructor, seated on the right, intervened suddenly by applying the brakes during the turn, motivated by the desire to use a taxiway near their operational hangar.
Findings
- Inexperienced pilot: The instructor's limited experience with the specific aircraft type contributed to the event.
- Pilot judgment: The decision-making regarding braking application and the sudden intervention during the turn contributed to the loss of directional control.
- Substantial damage: The aircraft sustained significant damage to the propeller assembly, the engine, and the nose landing gear cowling.