What happened
On September 20, 1995, at approximately 17:30, a Piper PA-34 220T, registration PT-WLR, was performing a flight from Três Lagoas, MS, to Jaboticabal, SP. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and two passengers. During the flight, the pilot encountered adverse meteorological conditions that prevented continued flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
Near Monções, São Paulo, the aircraft struck the ground at high speed. The impact, which occurred with the engines at full power, caused the wreckage to scatter linearly over a distance of 220 meters. The collision resulted in three fatalities, as the pilot and both passengers died at the scene. The aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was suspended due to irregularities regarding its radio station license, although maintenance records were found to be adequate and up to date. The investigation noted that the pilot was primarily trained in agricultural aviation, which involves low-level flight, and lacked the necessary technical ratings for multi-engine aircraft and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
Evidence from the wreckage indicated that the aircraft's left wing tip struck the ground first. Witnesses reported that the sky was heavily overcast with stratus clouds at a base of approximately 20 meters. The investigation also highlighted that the pilot had failed to consult meteorological conditions for the route prior to departure and had encountered a near-incident during landing in Três Lagoas earlier that same day.
Findings
- Adverse weather conditions significantly contributed to the accident, as the presence of heavy cloud cover forced the aircraft into IFR conditions.
- Deficient judgment was a key factor, as the pilot inadequately assessed his ability to proceed when encountering deteriorating weather.
- Inadequate flight planning occurred because the pilot did not anticipate the minimum meteorological requirements for the flight.
- Flight indiscipline was noted, as the pilot attempted to operate a multi-engine aircraft and fly in IFR conditions without the required legal certifications.
- Deficient supervision contributed to the event, as the aircraft owner provided the operation to an individual who lacked the specific qualifications for the aircraft type and flight conditions.