What happened
On January 26, 2007, a Raytheon 400A, registration PR-MMS, operated by Líder Táxi Aéreo S/A, was performing a scheduled flight from Congonhas, SP, to Apucarana, PR. Upon arrival, a large group of people, including photographers and videographers, gathered in the apron area to document the arrival and subsequent departure of the aircraft.
During the takeoff roll at Apucarana Aerodrome, the flight crew observed two individuals positioned near the center of the runway. As the aircraft rotated and lifted off the ground, the landing gear collided with a videographer who was standing in the middle of the runway. The impact caused one fatality. The crew and the five passengers on board escaped without injury, though the aircraft sustained minor damage to the left wing and flap.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed that the crew had been previously warned by airport personnel about the presence of people interested in filming the arrival, and the commander had explicitly stated that no one should enter the runway. However, during the boarding process, the co-pilot had engaged in conversation with the film crew and even pointed out the approximate location where the aircraft would lift off the ground.
Investigators found that the airport lacked effective procedures to control access to the operational area. Unauthorized individuals and vehicles were able to move freely through the apron, and the film crew eventually positioned themselves directly on the runway centerline. The investigation also noted that the crew failed to adequately assess the risks posed by the unauthorized personnel on the field before proceeding with the takeoff.
Findings
- Inadequate airport infrastructure: The aerodrome lacked the necessary services or procedures to prevent or control the access of unauthorized persons and vehicles to the operational area.
- Poor judgment by the crew: The pilots were overly permissive regarding the presence of unauthorized people in the apron and failed to properly evaluate the operational risk.
- Runway incursion: The presence of the videographer on the runway centerline directly led to the collision.
Safety action
CENIPA issued several recommendations, including calls for the Municipality of Apucarana to improve perimeter fencing and access control, and for the operator to instruct crews on their responsibility to suspend departures if safety is compromised.