What happened
On February 4, 2017, at 20:30 UTC, an EMB-202 aircraft, registration PT-UQQ, was performing an agricultural application flight near Restinga Seca, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft was departing from an unpaved landing strip used for crop spraying.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot noted that the aircraft took longer than usual to accelerate. After rotation, the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 10 meters before losing lift and descending into the ground, overshooting the far end of the runway. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, while the pilot escaped with minor injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators confirmed that the pilot was properly licensed and medically certified for the operation. The aircraft was airworthy, and its weight and balance were within manufacturer limits. Meteorological conditions were favorable, with calm winds and temperatures around 30°C.
An analysis of the runway dimensions revealed that the unpaved strip was only 670 meters long. Based on the manufacturer's takeoff distance requirements for an unpaved surface at the local altitude, a minimum of 739 meters was required.
Investigators also examined the pilot's actions during the loss of lift. The pilot reported that, while attempting to manage the situation, they moved the flaps from the first setting (8°) to the second setting (20°). The investigation determined that this action increased aerodynamic drag without providing sufficient lift to prevent the descent.
Furthermore, the investigation noted that the operator dismantled the aircraft during its removal from the crash site, which hindered the initial stages of the investigation.
Findings
- Inadequate runway length: The available takeoff distance was insufficient for the aircraft's requirements.
- Improper control inputs: The decision to increase flap settings increased drag during a critical phase of flight.
- Deficient flight planning: The takeoff requirements were not properly assessed prior to departure.
- Inadequate managerial supervision: The operator failed to ensure the aircraft was operating within safe parameters.