What happened
On January 28, 2015, at approximately 10:3 and UTC, an Embraer EMB-202 aircraft, registration PT-VVW, was performing an agricultural flight departing from an improvised landing strip in the Teixeiras area, near Mostardas, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft was operating at a takeoff weight of 1,781 kg, which was near its maximum allowable takeoff weight.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft reached rotation; however, it subsequently lost lift and collided with the ground, resulting in a nose-down impact. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, while the pilot sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the takeoff performance and the configuration of the aircraft's flaps. The takeoff strip was a flat, unpaved surface measuring 630 meters in length. Based on the aircraft's performance manual, a takeoff roll of approximately 602 meters would have been required to reach the rotation speed of 70 mph. However, the pilot reported that the aircraft lifted off after only 480 meters, indicating that the rotation speed had not been fully achieved.
Investigators noted that the pilot performed the takeoff using 20° of flaps. The aircraft's Operating Manual specifies that takeoff should be performed with 8° of flaps to ensure the shortest takeoff distance. Upon perceiving the loss of lift, the pilot attempted to increase the flaps to 30°. The investigation also considered environmental factors, noting that the pilot reported a shift in wind direction and intensity during the roll.
Findings
- The pilot utilized a flap setting of 20° for takeoff, whereas the manufacturer's manual specifies 8°.
- The aircraft lifted off before reaching the required rotation speed of 70 mph.
- The proximity between the achieved rotation speed and the stall speed, combined with a reported change in wind direction, likely induced a stall condition.
- The pilot's decision-making regarding flap configuration and takeoff speed contributed to the loss of control.