What happened
On February 25, 2014, an Embraer EMB-202A, registration PT-UYF, was performing an agricultural mission to apply fungicide to a soybean crop near Nova Ramada, Rio Grande do Sul. During the takeoff roll from the operational base, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power accompanied by heavy vibrations and a significant drop in fuel flow.
In an attempt to manage the emergency, the pilot aborted the takeoff. However, the aircraft failed to stop within the runway limits, overshooting the far end of the runway and traveling approximately 50 meters into a soybean field. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the engine and propeller. The pilot was uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the mechanical failure and operational procedures. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was highly experienced, with 3,000 flight hours in the aircraft type, and held all necessary valid certifications. The aircraft's airworthiness documentation and maintenance logs were up to date, and the aircraft was within weight and balance limits.
Technical analysis revealed that the mechanical fuel pump had failed due to a broken drive rod. While the aircraft is equipped with an auxiliary electric fuel pump designed to maintain fuel supply during such failures, the investigation established that this auxiliary pump was not in use during the takeoff roll.