What happened
On February 22, 2015, a Cessna U206F, registration PT-IXS, operated by Paramazônia Táxi-Aéreo Ltda., was performing a transport flight from Caju Indigenous Area (SJYR) to Pedra Preta Indigenous Area (SJMK) in Uiramatã, Roraima. The flight was carrying one pilot and two passengers.
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot noticed the aircraft was not performing satisfactorily and began losing altitude during the final third of the runway. In an attempt to manage the situation, the pilot opted to land ahead of the opposite end of the runway. However, the aircraft touched down approximately 100 meters before the threshold, leaving insufficient distance to come to a complete stop. The aircraft subsequently overran the runway limits and collided with a tree in dense vegetation. The impact caused substantial damage to the airframe and a sudden engine stoppage, though no fire occurred. All three occupants escaped without injury.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the aircraft was within weight, balance, and center of gravity (CG) limits. The pilot had followed the Standard Operating Procedures (S/SOP), setting the flaps to 20 degrees, and the takeoff was performed with a headwind as indicated by the local windsock.
Investigators focused on the rotation speed used during the takeoff roll. According to the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), the required rotation speed for a short takeoff under the prevailing conditions (weight, temperature, altitude, and wind) was 51 knots. However, the pilot reported rotating at 55 mph, which is approximately 47 knots. The investigation noted that the aircraft's airspeed indicator featured dual markings: knots on the inner scale and mph on the outer scale. This discrepancy led to a misinterpretation of the airspeed indicator, resulting in a rotation speed lower than necessary to maintain lift.
Findings
- Errors in pilot decision-making, flight planning, and piloting judgment.
- The pilot rotated the aircraft at 47 knots (55 mph) instead of the required 51 knots.
- The dual-scale airspeed indicator (MPH/KNOTS) contributed to the speed reading error.
- The insufficient runway remaining after the aborted takeoff attempt led to the runway excursion and tree collision.