What happened
On October 10, 2013, an Aero Boero AB-115, registration PP-GGH, was conducting a Commercial Pilot training flight at the Aeroclube de Passo Fundo (SSAQ) in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The flight, operated by Aeroclube de Passo Fundo, involved an instructor and a student pilot. After departing SSAQ, the crew proceeded to Carazinho (SSKZ) to perform touch-and-go maneuvers.
During the return leg, while landing on runway 35 at SSAQ, the student pilot attempted to enter an intersection while the aircraft was still at high speed. In an effort to navigate the turn, the student applied the brakes abruptly. This sudden deceleration caused the tail of the aircraft to lift, resulting in the propeller striking the ground. The aircraft came to a stop at a 4ally 45-degree angle relative to the ground.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the sequence of events during the landing roll and the flight profiles of the crew. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was within weight and balance limits and that all maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were up to date. The instructor held 1,300 total flight hours, with 600 hours in the AB-115 model, while the student pilot had 68 total hours, including 14 hours in the specific aircraft type. Both pilots held valid medical certificates, and the aircraft held a valid airworthiness certificate.
Findings
- Improper application of controls during the landing roll.
- Lack of pilot experience regarding the management of the aircraft during high-speed taxiway entries.