What happened
On September 10, 2010, a Piper PA-3-200, registration PT-IFS, was conducting a local instruction flight at the Piracicaba Aerodrome (SDPW) in São Paulo, Brazil. The flight crew consisted of an instructor and a student.
Following the completion of a final landing, the crew attempted a 180-degree turn to return to the runway. During this maneuver, the student pilot reported a loss of braking capability on the right side and noted an inability to maintain the aircraft on the runway centerline. The instructor attempted to correct the deviation using the rudder pedals, but was unsuccessful. Consequently, the aircraft drifted toward the left side of the runway, where the tips of the two left propeller blades struck the concrete base of a fixed pylon. The aircraft sustained light damage, and both occupants were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation examined the mechanical systems of the aircraft and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. According to the aircraft manual, the braking and steering systems are operated by the pedals but function independently. The braking system utilizes four independent cylinders (one for each pedal), while the steering system uses interconnected rods to produce conjugate or alternating movements. The manual also notes that taxiing can be achieved through differential power, differential braking, or steering control.
Investigators found that wind conditions were calm and did not contribute to the excursion. Notably, while the crew experienced difficulty during the turn, the aircraft remained maneuverable during the subsequent taxi back to the parking area, as no further steering difficulties were reported.
Findings
- The primary contributing factor was the application of controls during the maneuver.
- The student pilot lost directional control of the aircraft following the landing.
- The instructor was unable to maintain the aircraft on the runway centerline.
- The aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness (CA) was expired at the time of the occurrence.