What happened
On August 21, 2016, a Cessna U206G, registration PR-JSA, departed from Flores Aerodrome (SWFN) in Manaus, Brazil, bound for Itaituba, PA. The aircraft was operating a passenger transport flight with a pilot and three passengers on board.
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot observed a flock of birds and elected to delay the climb, maintaining the current heading and altitude. Upon spotting additional birds in the flight path, the pilot executed a left turn to avoid a collision. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a sudden impact and a left yaw. The pilot subsequently identified structural deformations on the left wingtip. Following the impact, the pilot requested instructions to return to the departure airfield, performing a visual approach and landing without further incident. All four occupants remained uninjured, though the aircraft sustained light damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators determined that the aircraft struck the lightning rod of an antenna during the evasive maneuver. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held valid medical and pilot certifications and that the aircraft was airworthy, within weight and balance limits, and properly maintained. Meteorological conditions at the time were favorable for visual flight.
Findings
- The pilot failed to maintain adequate separation from ground obstacles while focusing on bird avoidance.
- The maneuver to avoid the birds resulted in the collision with an antenna lightning rod.
- The pilot's judgment and attention during the avoidance maneuver were identified as the contributing factors.