What happened
On July 16, 2003, a student pilot was conducting a solo flight consisting of touch-and-go landings at the Nova Iguaçu Aerodrome (SDNY) in Rio de Janeiro. The purpose of the flight was to practice maneuvers in preparation for an upcoming Private Pilot checkride scheduled for two days later.
During the fifth or sixth landing, the pilot initiated a takeoff roll, accelerating the CAP 4 (registration PP-RUT) to approximately 30 mph with the tail lifted. Once the aircraft reached flight conditions, the pilot unexpectedly reduced the engine power to idle in an attempt to abort the takeoff. During this maneuver, the aircraft veered to the left. In an attempt to correct the deviation, the pilot applied the brakes instead of using the rudder pedals. This caused the aircraft to lose directional control and undergo a ground loop. The pilot was uninjured, though the aircraft sustained significant damage to the propeller and minor damage to the engine cowling, vertical stabilizer, and rudder.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, the pilot's training status, and the operational circumstances. Maintenance records showed the aircraft was airworthy, with all inspections up to date. The investigation focused heavily on the pilot's psychological state and decision-making process.
Investigators noted that the pilot was under significant pressure due to the approaching checkride. While the pilot claimed the engine failed to reach the required power, maintenance inspections of the engine and components revealed no mechanical irregularities that could have caused such a failure. The investigation also looked into the training environment, noting that the flight school's authorization to provide instruction had expired at the time of the accident.
Findings
- Improper use of controls: The pilot attempted to correct a directional deviation by applying the brakes rather than using the rudder, which directly led to the ground loop.
- Inadequate decision-making: The pilot chose to abort a takeoff in a situation where continuing the maneuver would have been the safer course of action.
- Psychological factors: High levels of anxiety, insecurity, and stress regarding the upcoming flight examination impaired the pilot's cognitive processes and judgment.
- Lack of experience: The pilot's limited flight time and lack of experience in handling unexpected flight conditions contributed to the error in command application.
- Deficient flight planning: The mission lacked a defined number of landings, and the takeoff abort was performed without considering the aircraft's high speed and aerodynamic sensitivity.