What happened
On April 22, 2016, a Piper PA-34-220T, registration PR-ZPE, was performing a private transport flight from Lucas do Rio Verde to Redenção, Brazil. The flight involved one pilot and three passengers under visual meteorological conditions.
As the aircraft was approaching runway 24 at Redenção Airport (SNDC) for landing, a large bird (vulture) crossed the aircraft's path near the windshield. To avoid a collision, the pilot executed an abrupt left-wing maneuver. This sudden control input, performed close to the ground, resulted in a heavy landing where the left propeller blades struck the runway surface. The impact caused a secondary rolling effect that forced the right main landing gear to collapse.
Following the gear collapse, the right wing dragged along the asphalt, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway into a vegetated area. The friction between the wing and the pavement, combined with dry vegetation, ignited a small fire, which was suppressed by the pilot and airport firefighters. All four occupants escaped the incident uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation confirmed that the pilot was properly licensed and experienced, and the aircraft was airworthy with all maintenance records up to date. The investigation established that the aircraft was within weight and balance limits and that weather conditions were favorable.
Investigators identified that the aircraft was moved from the landing site to a parking area before investigators arrived, which prevented a detailed assessment of the control positions (flaps, landing gear lever, etc.) and the specific state of the right main gear at the moment of collapse.
Furthermore, the investigation looked into the presence of wildlife. While no bird strikes were physically found on the airframe, the investigation noted that a pond, formed by a depression near the runway head caused by previous construction work, acted as a water source for vultures (Family Cathartidae), attracting them to the airfield area.
Findings
- Inadequate pilot judgment and improper application of flight controls during the avoidance maneuver.
- Environmental influence due to the presence of birds attracted to a water source near the runway.
- Airport infrastructure issues, specifically the presence of a pond near the runway threshold that encouraged wildlife activity.
- The sudden maneuver caused the left propeller to strike the ground and subsequently triggered the collapse of the right main landing gear.