What happened
On February 7, 2010, an Embraer 711A, registration PT-NQX, was performing a takeoff from the Correntina Aerodrome (SNTY) in Bahia, Brazil, bound for Bom Jesus da Lapa. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power. At an altitude of approximately seven meters, the pilot noticed a loss of airspeed and maneuvered the aircraft to check for obstacles ahead. This action resulted in a loss of lift, causing the aircraft to collide with the ground on the right side of the runway, approximately 300 meters from the end of runway 30.
The pilot and one passenger survived the impact without injuries, though the aircraft sustained severe damage to the propeller, engine, wings, landing gear, and airframe.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and the fuel system to determine the cause of the power loss. The investigation established that the fuel selector was set to the left tank, which contained only 1.2 liters of fuel, while the right tank held 48.8 liters. The fuel lines, including the filter and pump, were also found to be empty. There was no evidence of fuel leaks.
The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight history and operational procedures. The pilot had a total of only 267 flight hours accumulated over 22 years, indicating infrequent flight activity. On the previous day, the aircraft had flown from Luziânia to Correntina. The pilot had planned fuel consumption based on an average rate, but failed to verify the actual fuel levels in each tank before the takeoff attempt.
Findings
- The engine power loss was caused by fuel exhaustion in the left tank.
- The pilot failed to perform a visual check of the fuel quantity in the tanks prior to takeoff.
- The pilot likely miscalculated the fuel remaining from the previous flight leg.
- The pilot's decision-making during the emergency was inadequate; instead of attempting an immediate landing straight ahead, the pilot's control inputs led to a loss of lift.
- The pilot's low frequency of flight operations contributed to an improper response to the engine failure.
- The pilot's medical certificate (CCF) was expired at the time of the accident.