What happened
On February 15, 2023, at approximately 15:00 UTC, a Neiva EMB-202 agricultural aircraft, registration PT-UJD, was performing its sixth takeoff of the day from an unpaved landing strip at Fazenda Morro Vermelho in Mineiros, Goiás. The aircraft was engaged in an aerial spraying operation. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft failed to stop within the longitudinal limits of the landing area, overrunning the strip and colliding with a nearby plantation. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, though the pilot escaped without injury.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's performance and the operational conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation focused on the aircraft's weight, the runway characteristics, and the engine's performance. While the pilot reported a possible loss of power, technical analysis of the Lycoming IO-540 engine and its lubricants showed no mechanical discrepancies or malfunctions that could have contributed to the event.
Investigators calculated that the aircraft was operating at an estimated weight of 1,962 kg, which exceeded the manufacturer's maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 1,800 kg by 162 kg. This excess weight, combined with the high ambient temperature of approximately 30°C and the aircraft's center of gravity being positioned forward of the allowable limit, significantly impacted takeoff performance. Furthermore, the unpaved strip, which featured a slight uphill gradient in the takeoff direction, did not provide sufficient distance for a safe takeoff under these overloaded conditions.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating outside of its permitted weight and balance limits.
- The takeoff distance required for the aircraft's weight and environmental conditions exceeded the available length of the unpaved strip.
- There was a lack of adequate flight and managerial planning regarding the weight of the chemical product in the hopper.
- Inadequate managerial oversight and lack of operational risk management documentation for the specific landing site.
- The pilot's judgment and attitude regarding the takeoff decision contributed to the occurrence.