What happened
On June 13, 1993, at approximately 10:55 PM, an Eagle II aircraft, registration PP-ZRC, crashed while attempting to land at Jundiaî Aerodrome, São Paulo. The aircraft, operated by Aeroclube de Rio Claro, had departed from Rio Claro for an aerial demonstration flight in Itupeva before proceeding to Jundiaí for refueling.
As the aircraft entered the final approach for runway 17, it experienced a loss of control. The aircraft entered a left-hand roll exceeding 90 degrees and subsequently entered a spin. The aircraft struck the ground with a low wing attitude, resulting in the total destruction of the airframe and the fatalities of both occupants.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation examined several critical factors, including aircraft maintenance, meteorological conditions, and crew performance. Investigators identified that the aircraft had a known structural issue stemming from its assembly; an improper wing alignment caused a persistent tendency to roll to the left, which required constant right rudder input to correct.
Meteorological data at the time of the accident indicated strong winds of 15 knots with gusts up to 20 knots and significant turbulence. The local terrain is known to produce wind shear due to orographic effects. The investigation also noted ergonomic limitations within the cockpit, specifically that the rear pilot's view of the instrument panel was obstructed when a second occupant was in the front seat, and the front occupant's external visibility was compromised during approach.
Findings
- Adverse meteorological conditions: The presence of strong gusts and turbulent air contributed to the unstable approach.
- Improper use of controls: The pilot in command utilized commands that led to a loss of lift during the final approach.
- Aircraft maintenance deficiency: An improper wing assembly caused a left-rolling tendency, which may have exacerbated the loss of control.
- Inadequate approach technique: The aircraft entered the final approach at an altitude higher than standard, followed by a slip to lose altitude, which transitioned into an abnormal attitude.