What happened
On January 24, 2021, a 95-B5 and registration PT-LYG departed from the Associação Tocantinense de Aviação Aerodrome (SWEJ) in Porto Nacional, Brazil, bound for Goiânia. The aircraft was operating a private flight carrying the pilot and five passengers.
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced a loss of lift. Witnesses observed that during the takeoff roll, the auxiliary landing gear briefly left the runway and then made contact again, suggesting difficulty in rotating the aircraft. As the pilot began retracting the landing gear, the aircraft entered an abnormal pitch-up attitude. This sudden change in flight attitude led to a loss of control at a low altitude, causing the aircraft to strike the ground in a leveled attitude. The impact triggered a post-crash fire that consumed the entire fuselage, leaving only fragments of the engines, wings, and tail cone. All six occupants sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators analyzed the wreckage, engine performance, and flight planning. While the engines and propellers appeared to be operating normally at the time of impact, the investigation focused on the aircraft's weight and balance.
By analyzing passenger weights, estimated luggage, and fuel levels, the investigation team determined that the aircraft was likely operating significantly above its maximum takeoff weight. Specifically, the aircraft was estimated to be approximately 300.75 kg over its maximum allowable weight. Furthermore, the distribution of the load placed the center of gravity (CG) beyond the rear limit established by the manufacturer, with calculations suggesting a displacement of at least 2 inches beyond the permitted range.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating above its maximum takeoff weight.
- The center of gravity was displaced beyond the manufacturer's rear limit due to improper weight distribution.
- Inadequate flight planning regarding the loading of passengers and luggage contributed to the weight and balance error.
- The decision to continue the flight after the aircraft failed to rotate as expected during the takeoff run contributed to the loss of control.