What happened
On November 30, 1997, a Cessna 182P, registration PT-JFV, was performing a skydiving operation at a non-certified grass airstrip located at Fazenda Primavera, in the municipality of Adolfo, São Paulo. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and four passengers, exceeding its maximum certified capacity of one pilot and three passengers.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot attempted to depart using only half of the available runway length and in an uphill direction. The aircraft was also significantly overweight, weighing 3,155 lb against a maximum allowable limit of 2,950 lb. As the aircraft reached the end of the takeoff run, the pilot adjusted the flaps from 10° to 20°. The aircraft lifted off in a pre-stall condition but failed to gain sufficient altitude to clear obstacles at the end of the runway. The aircraft subsequently struck a fence and then collided with low-voltage power lines before impacting the ground. The accident resulted in one serious injury and three minor injuries among the passengers, while the pilot sustained minor injuries. The aircraft sustained severe damage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the aircraft's maintenance was up to date and adequate. However, the investigation revealed critical operational failures. The pilot, while holding a valid Private Pilot license, lacked the specific technical qualification and experience required for skydiving operations. Furthermore, the person responsible for contracting the flight failed to verify the pilot's specific credentials for this type of mission. The investigation also noted that the pilot failed to conduct an emergency briefing for the passengers prior to departure.