What happened
On December 19, 2000, an AN2 aircraft, registration SP-FLU, was performing a ferry flight from Canarana, Mato Grosso, to Anápolis, Goiás. The flight was operated by a single pilot transporting two passengers. Upon arriving at the Anápolis Aerodrome (SWNS), the pilot performed a standard traffic pattern and identified a left crosswind for runway 07.
During the final approach, the pilot failed to adequately compensate for the crosswind, allowing the aircraft to drift to the right of the runway centerline. The aircraft landed on the right side of the runway. Following touchdown, the aircraft began to yaw to the right, causing the left wing to lift and the right wingtip to strike the ground. The aircraft continued to slide for approximately 150 meters before exiting the runway and striking a 1.5-meter embankment. The impact caused the right landing gear to break and damaged the propeller. The aircraft finally came to a stop 124 meters from the initial wing strike. All three occupants sustained light injuries.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation revealed significant regulatory and maintenance irregularities. The aircraft was in the process of nationalization and lacked both Certificate of Airworthiness and Registration. Maintenance records for the airframe, engine, and propeller were unavailable, and the aircraft was operating without a flight log. Furthermore, the aircraft's VHF radio was inoperable.
The investigation also scrutinized the pilot's qualifications. The pilot was flying with an expired medical certificate and an expired technical rating. Additionally, the pilot had not flown this specific aircraft type for over three years and had not performed a proper transition flight with a qualified instructor. The investigation noted that the aircraft's operational certificate required a minimum crew of two pilots, yet the flight was conducted by a single pilot.
Findings
- Pilot indecision: The pilot experienced a state of indecision regarding whether to land or execute a go-around, which delayed the decision to abort the landing.
- Inadequate control: The pilot failed to use sufficient rudder and aileron inputs to counteract the left crosswind, leading to the off-center touchdown and subsequent wing strike.
- Lack of proficiency: The pilot had not flown the AN2 for more than three years and had not undergone a proper flight adaptation process.
- Regulatory non-compliance: The flight was conducted with an expired medical certificate and an expired technical rating, and the required second pilot was absent.
- Maintenance deficiencies: The aircraft lacked essential airworthiness documentation and regular maintenance oversight.
- Operational oversight: The aircraft owner failed to verify the pilot's credentials and the aircraft's legal status.