What happened
On February 28, 2020, at approximately 16:00 UTC, an Embraer EMB-720C, registration PT-EAQ, was performing a private flight from Colniza Aerodrome (SIXZ) to Juína (SWJN) in Mato Grosso, Brazil. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and seven passengers. Following the takeoff roll, the aircraft failed to acquire sufficient lift to become airborne and collided with the ground approximately 300 meters beyond the opposite end of the runway. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage, the pilot and all seven passengers were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's operational parameters and found that the flight was being conducted outside of safe operating limits. Although the pilot initially reported an engine failure, subsequent evidence and a later statement from the pilot indicated that the engine was operating normally until impact.
The investigation revealed that the aircraft was being operated with hydrated ethyl alcohol as fuel, despite the Type Certificate Data Sheets specifying that the Embraver EMB-720C is certified for use with AvGas. No formal documentation was found in the ANAC database to authorize this fuel change, which constitutes a major modification under Brazilian civil aviation regulations.
Furthermore, the aircraft was significantly overweight. The maximum takeoff weight for this model is 1,542 kg; however, the actual weight at takeoff—including the pilot, seven passengers, full fuel tanks, and luggage—was calculated at 1,859 kg. Additionally, the aircraft was carrying two passengers beyond its certified capacity of five passengers.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating beyond its maximum takeoff weight.
- The aircraft was carrying two passengers in excess of the manufacturer's certified capacity.
- The aircraft was using unapproved fuel (hydrated ethyl alcohol) instead of the certified AvGas.
- The aircraft failed to achieve the necessary performance for takeoff due to the weight and balance irregularities.
- Pilot judgment and flight planning were identified as contributing factors.