What happened
On July 9, 2004, at approximately 18:40 UTC, a Canadair CL 215 (registration I-SRMB) was engaged in aerial firefighting operations at the Aguieira Dam reservoir near Santa Comba Dão, Portugal. The aircraft, operated by OMNI – Aviação e Tecnologia, was performing water scooping maneuvers to combat a forest fire near Penela.
During the takeoff run, the aircraft experienced a sudden and unexpected leftward deviation of approximately 20 to 30 degrees. The pilot attempted to correct the heading using full right rudder, but the deviation persisted, directing the aircraft toward the left shoreline. Fearing that the aircraft could not clear existing obstacles on the takeoff path, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff.
In an attempt to utilize a small bay to provide more distance for deceleration, the pilot continued the leftward turn and reduced engine power. To assist in braking, the crew selected 25-degree flaps and lowered the water probes. Despite these efforts, the aircraft struck the shoreline, resulting in a puncture to the lower forward fuselage, damage to the left wingtip, and the destruction of the left float. The two crew members were uninjured and rescued by helicopter.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy, with all documentation, including the certificate of airworthiness and insurance, being valid. The investigation found no evidence of mechanical failure, engine asymmetry, or malfunctions in the flight controls or propulsion systems. The crew was found to be properly qualified and licensed for the operation. The investigation also noted that the chosen water scooping area met the performance requirements for the aircraft type.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of directional control of the aircraft during the takeoff run and subsequent deceleration.
- Contributing factors included deficient Crew Resource Management (CRM), specifically a lack of coordination between the pilots during this specific type of operation.
- The crew's lack of recent experience in this specific aircraft type and the unfamiliarity with the local orographic conditions, which differed significantly from their training environments, also contributed to the occurrence.