What happened
On March 12, 2009, an EMB 721C, registration PT-EDP, was performing a takeoff from an unregistered airstrip at Fazenda Nossa Senhora Aparecida, located in Cáceres, Mato Grosso. Shortly after rotation, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude, causing the aircraft to descend and collide with a tree situated approximately 150 meters beyond the end of the runway. Following the impact with the tree, the aircraft struck the ground, resulting in the total destruction of the airframe.
There were five occupants on board at the time of the accident. The pilot and two passengers sustained light injuries, while two other passengers suffered serious injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the engine failure and the circumstances leading to the loss of control. Investigators confirmed that the aircraft's maintenance records were up to date and its airworthiness certificate was valid. However, the investigation revealed that the aircraft had been fueled with 210 liters of automotive gasoline purchased in San Martin, Bolivia.
While the pilot noted that using Bolivian gasoline is a common practice in the region because it lacks the ethanol content found in Brazilian automotive gasoline, the investigation highlighted the risks of this practice. Technical analysis suggested that the lower octane rating of the automotive gasoline, compared to the required aviation gasoline, likely caused the engine to operate below its designed performance parameters, leading to the power loss during the critical takeoff phase.