What happened
On September 3, 1994, a Cessna 172 RG, registration PT-LSL, was conducting a flight from São Paulo to Porto Seguro. During the flight, the aircraft deviated from its filed flight plan, descending to 3,500 feet near Prado and following the coastline without communicating with local air traffic control services.
The aircraft proceeded to an uncertified, clandestine airstrip located on a plateau near Caraíva, Bahia. During the landing attempt, the aircraft experienced a heavy touchdown. This impact caused the right main landing gear support to fracture due to existing corrosion. The aircraft subsequently lost control on the ground, skidding to the right side of the runway. The nose gear struck a ditch, and the engine came to an abrupt stop after the propeller struck dense vegetation. The impact was severe enough to crack the front seat mounting rails. One occupant sustained minor injuries, while the other two remained uninjured. The aircraft sustained major damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and interviewed the crew. While the pilot claimed an engine power loss necessitated an emergency landing, investigators found the engine, fuel system, and spark plugs to be in good working order, making a power loss unlikely.
Evidence suggested that the aircraft's owner, who was a passenger, may have been operating the controls during the landing, as the pilot was observed in the right-hand seat. The investigation also revealed that the right main landing gear component suffered from widespread corrosion, which had been overlooked during a previous maintenance inspection. Furthermore, the landing was characterized by an excessive sink rate, as evidenced by the damage to the seat tracks.
Findings
- Deficient maintenance: Widespread corrosion was present on the right main landing gear support, significantly reducing its structural strength during the heavy landing.
- Improper landing technique: The pilot (or the person operating the controls) executed a heavy touchdown with an excessive sink rate.
- Operational non-compliance: The flight deviated from the filed flight plan and failed to maintain required altitudes or communicate with ATC.
- Use of uncertified infrastructure: The landing was performed at an uncertified, clandestine airstrip with unsafe runway margins.
- Human factors: There were indications of pilot complacency and excessive confidence, specifically regarding allowing an unauthorized person to operate the aircraft.
Safety action
- Conduct a safety inspection of the maintenance facility responsible for the aircraft's last inspection to evaluate maintenance and supervision standards.
- Organize flight safety meetings for General Aviation focusing on air traffic rule compliance and the legal implications of unauthorized flight instruction.
- Implement educational programs at aero clubs regarding the inherent risks of using clandestine airstrips.