What happened
On May 15, 2017, a Cirrus SR22, registration PR-LFF, was performing a private flight from Aeródromo Aba in Barreiras, Bahia, to Aeródromo da Fazenda Gesso Integral in Grajaú, Maranhão. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and two passengers.
Upon landing at the destination, the pilot initiated the deceleration roll. During this phase, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, causing it to veer to the left and exit the lateral limits of the runway. The impact resulted in light damage to the aircraft, specifically involving the landing gear. All three occupants were uninjured during the event.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation faced significant challenges due to the handling of the scene following the incident. After the excursion, the occupants moved the aircraft back onto the runway and taxied it to a hangar on their own. This movement of the aircraft was performed without the authorization of the SIPAER investigation authority.
Furthermore, the occurrence was not reported to the investigation authorities on the date of the event. The official notification was only made on November 1, 2017, approximately 171 days after the accident. Because the aircraft was moved and the site was altered without the consent of SERIPA I, investigators were unable to conduct a reliable analysis of the contributing factors.
While the pilot's initial visual inspection suggested only damage to the wheel fairings, subsequent technical examination revealed that the nose landing gear had been bent.
Findings
- The pilot held a valid medical certificate and single-engine land rating.
- The aircraft held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness.
- The loss of control during the landing rollout led to the runway excursion.
- The failure to report the incident promptly and the unauthorized movement of the aircraft prevented a definitive determination of the contributing factors.