What happened
On April 27, 2000, a Piper PA-18, registration PP-GKI, was conducting a local flight training mission at the Sorocaba Aerodrome in São Paulo. The flight was intended for the pilot's readaptation, consisting of a series of touch-and-go landings.
During the final approach for a three-point landing, the pilot applied a sudden power adjustment to 1,300 RPM to correct the flight path. This maneuver coincided with an engine power loss, causing the engine to shut down. As the aircraft lost altitude, the instructor attempted to manage the descent, but the pilot instinctively retracted the flaps to improve glide performance. This action, combined with the instructor's decision to execute a steep turn to avoid a populated area, led to an aerodynamic stall. The aircraft subsequently performed a forced landing on firm, uneven, and wooded terrain approximately 200 meters from the runway threshold. The impact caused severe damage to the aircraft, rendering it a total loss. The instructor sustained minor injuries, while the pilot suffered serious injuries.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, the crew's performance, and the operational procedures of the flight school. Investigators found that the aircraft's maintenance was up to date, and no mechanical defects were found in the engine during post-accident examinations. However, the instructor noted a history of engine difficulties related to fuel or carburetor issues.
The investigation also scrutinized the training program, noting that the pilot was being readapted with only a single flight, which was deemed insufficient for emergency proficiency. Furthermore, the investigation highlighted a lack of standardized emergency checklists and a breakdown in cockpit coordination, as the pilot performed several maneuvers without the instructor's authorization or knowledge.