What happened
On July 4, 2010, an EMB-810D aircraft, registration PT-VDA, departed from Recife (SBRF) bound for Campina Grande (SBKG) with two pilots and four passengers on board. During the takeoff roll, the pilot noticed the aircraft exhibited an unstable tendency to pitch up and down alternately, accompanied by a loss of airspeed. Due to these flight control difficulties, the pilot decided to perform an immediate landing back at the departure airfield.
During the landing, the aircraft experienced a heavy impact with the ground. This resulted in the failure of the left main landing gear, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway. Despite the severe damage to the aircraft, including damage to the left engine and propeller, all six occupants escaped the scene without injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the aircraft's configuration and the crew's flight planning. Investigators found that the aircraft had been received from the owner with full fuel tanks (approximately 460 liters). The investigation established that the crew failed to perform the necessary weight and balance calculations for the specific load of four passengers and baggage.
Furthermore, the investigation examined the psychological state of the crew, noting that both pilots were currently unemployed and were operating as freelancers. This situation created a level of anxiety and a high motivation to maintain flight currency, which may have influenced their risk perception and decision-making during the pre-flight phase.