What happened
On February 3, 1998, at approximately 12:30 PM, a Cessna 188B agricultural aircraft, registration PT-WJJ, was performing crop dusting operations at Estância do Salso in Rosário do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft was performing its ninth takeoff of the day, carrying approximately 400 kg of urea and 150 liters of fuel.
During the takeoff roll from runway 26, the pilot was unable to establish a positive rate of climb. The aircraft maintained level flight before colliding with a fence post located 1.5 meters above the ground at the end of the runway. Following the collision, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and plunged into a nearby pond, coming to rest in an inverted position. The pilot, who was not wearing a helmet, seatbelt, or safety harness, sustained facial and neck injuries and died from drowning.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and determined that the engine and propeller were under power at the time of impact, evidenced by the deformation of the propeller blades and cooling fins. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's maintenance records were up to date and the engine and propeller services were adequate.
Calculations performed during the investigation revealed that while the required takeoff distance under standard conditions was approximately 400 meters—within the 450 meters of usable runway available—the presence of a 15-knot tailwind significantly increased the required distance beyond the available runway length. The investigation also noted that the pilot had experienced a similar near-accident involving a tailwind and a pond just twenty days prior, which may have influenced his decision-making.
Findings
- Tailwind component: The aircraft was operating with a significant tailwind of approximately 15 knots, which prevented the aircraft from rotating and climbing sufficiently within the available runway length.
- Pilot motivation: The pilot's desire to complete the day's spraying mission led to a failure to properly assess the risks associated with the high temperature (30°C), heavy takeoff weight, and unfavorable wind conditions.
- Operational planning: There was inadequate planning regarding takeoff performance limits and the specific constraints of the private airstrip, which featured an uphill slope on the opposite runway and obstacles at the ends of the active runway.
- Safety equipment non-compliance: The pilot was not utilizing provided safety equipment, including a helmet and safety belts, which contributed to the severity of the fatal outcome.
- Emergency response: The site lacked established procedures for emergency response, which may have delayed life-saving intervention.