Pilot Training Is a Key Focus in Brazilian Accident

Pilot training appears to be a focus of the investigation into the August 13 crash of a Brazilian-registered Cessna Citation XLS (560XL). The accident, which occurred during an instrument approach to the Guaruja military air base near Santos, claimed the life of Brazilian presidential contender Eduardo Campos and six others, including the two crewmembers.

On December 4, Brazilian accident investigation agency Cenipa published a preliminary recommendation that would require both cockpit crewmembers to receive the same aircraft training. The captain of the accident airplane received a 560XL type rating but the first officer was trained by an air force officer who serves as examiner for [Brazilian civil aviation agency] ANAC on May 25, 2014, during a flight between Varginha and Pampulha Airport in a Cessna 560, not a Cessna 560XL.

Operation of a Citation 560 is covered under the Cessna 500 type rating and requires only differences training. However, the Citation 560XL requires a different type rating. Notably, 560XL training emphasizes a warning in the pilot operation manual limitations section that does not appear in that for the 560: “Do not retract flaps above 200 kias. Associated stabilizer movement can cause a significant nose-down pitch upset.”