What happened
On October 17, 2009, an EMB-710 aircraft, registration PT-NBV, was attempting a takeoff from a grass runway at Fazenda Joaz/inho, Mato Grosso do Sul. The pilot intended to fly to the Três Lagoas aerodrome. Immediately following rotation, the pilot experienced a loss of control as the aircraft began deviating to the left and downward. The flight controls were reported as ineffective in maintaining the intended trajectory. During the uncontrolled descent, the aircraft struck a wooden fence located alongside the runway before impacting the ground violently.
The impact resulted in severe injuries to the pilot and severe damage to the aircraft, including the loss of the left wing, nose gear, and left main landing gear, as well as damage to the propeller blades and the right wing leading edge.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the environmental conditions and the pilot's decision-making process. The investigation established that the aircraft was within its weight and center of gravity limits and that the pilot was properly licensed and qualified for the operation.
Meteorological data provided by the pilot indicated a right crosswind with intensities between 10 and 15 knots, featuring gusts exceeding 20 knots. The investigation noted that the airfield lacked a windsock to provide visual wind direction and intensity information. Analysis of the aircraft's performance and the flight path confirmed that the crosswind characteristics were significant enough to overwhelm the control effectiveness of the aircraft.
Findings
- The pilot made the inadequate decision to proceed with takeoff despite estimated crosswind gusts exceeding the maximum operational limit of 17 knots specified in the aircraft manual.
- The pilot's judgment regarding the crosswind conditions contributed to the accident.
- The aircraft's flight controls were unable to counteract the lateral force of the wind during the critical phase of rotation.