What happened
On July 25, 1998, a Cessna 172D, registration PT-BZR, was performing a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Lençóis Paulista to Bauru, Brazil, carrying a pilot and one passenger. During the flight, the pilot observed an increase in engine oil temperature. Although other engine parameters, such as oil pressure and cylinder head temperature, remained normal, the pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing in an unprepared field near Itatinga, São Paulo.
The pilot did not perform a reconnaissance flight of the chosen landing site prior to the approach. Upon touching down on the uneven terrain, the pilot realized the area was unsuitable and attempted a go-around. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck obstacles ahead of the position. The impact with the nose gear caused the aircraft to capsize onto its side and eventually come to rest on its back.
The aircraft sustained severe damage to the propeller, fuselage, vertical stabilizer, rudder, wings, and various flight systems. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the passenger was uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance history and engine performance. The aircraft had recently undergone a 100-hour inspection, and post-accident analysis of the engine revealed no signs of mechanical malfunction or failure. The aircraft was within its specified weight and center of gravity limits.
The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience and decision-making process. While the pilot held a valid Commercial Pilot License, he had limited experience, with only 300 total flight hours and 15 hours in the Cessna 172D. The investigation noted that the pilot was flying for hobby purposes and had not been flying regularly. Furthermore, the flight path had deviated from the original route to overfly various regional cities, placing the aircraft 18 nautical miles away from a suitable paved runway in Avaré.
Findings
- Anxiety and precipitous decision-making: The pilot reacted to the high oil temperature with significant anxiety, leading to a rushed decision to land in an unsuitable field rather than proceeding to a safer, paved runway.
- Inadequate planning: The pilot failed to conduct a reconnaissance of the landing site to identify terrain irregularities and obstacles.
- Inadequate emergency procedures: The pilot attempted a go-around with the aircraft still in a landing configuration (flaps extended) on uneven terrain, which contributed to the collision.
- Lack of experience: The pilot's limited flight hours and lack of recent flight frequency impacted his ability to manage the perceived emergency effectively.