Loss of Control During Landing Involves Aero Boero AB-115 in Londrina

Casualties unknown • LONDRINA, PR, BR

An instructional flight ended in a runway excursion in Londrina, Brazil, after an instructor's corrective maneuver caused the aircraft to strike the ground with its wingtip.

What happened

On May 8, 2013, an Aero Boero AB-115, registration PP-GMR, was conducting a commercial pilot training flight at the Londrina Aerodrome in Paraná, Brazil. The flight, operated by Aeroclube de Londrina, carried an instructor and a student. After performing maneuvers in the southern sector of the aerodrome, the aircraft attempted to land.

During the landing roll, as the pilot began to lower the tail, the aircraft experienced a leftward yaw. In an attempt to correct this directional deviation, the instructor took control of the aircraft and applied right rudder. This intervention caused the aircraft to swing abruptly to the right, resulting in the left wingtip making contact with the ground. The aircraft eventually came to a stop at a 90-degree angle to the runway. The impact caused light damage to the left wingtip and aileron, but both occupants remained uninjured.

The investigation

CENIPA's investigation confirmed that all relevant documentation for the crew and the aircraft was valid, including medical certificates for the pilots and the airworthiness certificate for the aircraft. The aircraft was within weight and balance limits, and maintenance records for the airframe, engine, and propeller were up to date. The investigation focused on the sequence of control inputs during the landing phase and the experience levels of the crew members involved.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by improper application of flight controls, specifically a late intervention by the instructor whose sudden right rudder input induced a sharp directional change.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-05-08 aircraft accident near LONDRINA, PR, BR?

An instructional flight ended in a runway excursion in Londrina, Brazil, after an instructor's corrective maneuver caused the aircraft to strike the ground with its wingtip.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-05-08 involved a aircraft, registration PPGMR, at LONDRINA, PR, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by improper application of flight controls, specifically a late intervention by the instructor whose sudden right rudder input induced a sharp directional change.

Loading the flight search…