What happened
On November 26, 2017, an Air Tractor AT-502B, registration PP-SGO, was performing agricultural spraying operations near Correntina, Bahia. The aircraft departed from a landing strip located at Fazenda Cambará to spray a nearby area. After approximately twenty minutes of flight, the pilot attempted to land at the same location.
During the landing roll, the aircraft lost directional control and veered to the right, exiting the side of the runway. The aircraft entered a soybean field, where the propeller blades and spinner struck the ground. The aircraft came to a stop approximately twenty meters from the right side of the runway. The pilot was uninjured, and the aircraft sustained light damage.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by SERIPA II established that meteorological conditions were favorable, with visibility exceeding 10km, no cloud cover, and calm winds. The pilot's approach was performed in accordance with the aircraft's operational manual. The landing was conducted at runway heading 36, a standard practice for this location due to obstacles present at the opposite end of the strip.
Investigators noted that the landing area lacked a windsock to indicate wind direction and intensity. Analysis of the propeller damage and the pilot's report indicated that the brakes were applied after the aircraft had already left the runway perimeter. The pilot was experienced, holding a valid medical certificate and agricultural pilot rating, with approximately 4,000 total flight hours, including 1,000 hours in the AT-502B.
Findings
- The pilot lost directional control of the aircraft during the landing roll.
- Operational error in the application of flight controls contributed to the loss of directional control.
- The propeller blades and spinner made contact with the ground after the aircraft exited the runway.