What happened
On August 11, 2014, an Aero Boero AB-115, registration PP-GBK, was performing a takeoff roll at Bacacheri Airport (SBBI) in Curitiba, Paraná. The aircraft, operated by Aeroclube do Paraná, was conducting a local flight instruction session focused on touch-and-go maneuvers. As the aircraft reached rotation speed, the student pilot applied excessive pitch up, causing the tail to rise too high and resulting in the propeller striking the runway surface.
The impact caused substantial damage to both the propeller and the engine. Both the instructor and the student pilot were unharmed during the incident.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the flight experience and training progress of the student pilot. Records indicated that the student had completed several pre-solo flight stages but had experienced significant gaps in flight training, including a nine-month hiatus and a subsequent ten-month period without flying prior to the accident. At the time of the occurrence, the student had accumulated only 17 total flight hours, all in the AB-115.
The investigation confirmed that the instructor was highly experienced, with 1,060 total flight hours, 800 of which were in this specific model. All necessary documentation, including medical certificates, pilot licenses, and the aircraft's airworthiness certificate, were valid. The aircraft was within weight and balance limits, and maintenance records for the airframe, engine, and propeller were up to date.
Findings
- Improper application of flight controls during the takeoff roll.
- Errors in pilot judgment regarding rotation speed and pitch attitude.
- Lack of sufficient flight experience due to prolonged periods of inactivity between training sessions.