What happened
On June 21, 1995, a Cessna 182-N Skylane, registration PT-DLQ, departed Maricá, RJ, for a flight intended to film the Parati airfield (SDTK) in Rio de Janeiro. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and two passengers. To facilitate filming, the pilot operated the aircraft from the right seat and moved the seatback forward at the request of the cameraman.
During the flight, the pilot became physically uncomfortable due to the seat position and was unable to return the seatback to its original position. Fearing physical impairment during the remainder of the flight, the pilot decided to land at the Par/SDTK airfield, despite knowing the facility was officially closed via NOTAM due to safety concerns.
Upon approaching the airfield, the pilot observed a large crowd of protesters gathered near the runway. Although the pilot selected the far end of the runway to avoid the crowd, a motorcyclist breached the police perimeter and entered the runway. The motorcycle lost control after hitting a ditch and collided with the aircraft during its landing roll. The impact caused the motorcyclist to suffer serious injuries, while the aircraft occupants were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the runway incursion and the pilot's decision-making. The investigation established that the airfield was closed specifically because it lacked perimeter fencing and safety infrastructure, which allowed pedestrians and vehicles to access the movement area.
Investigators also examined the operational status of the flight, noting that the aircraft was not certified for cinematographic purposes. Furthermore, the investigation reviewed the pilot's cockpit configuration, which had been altered for the filming mission, leading to the ergonomic issues that prompted the unauthorized landing.