What happened
On March 2, 2013, a Beechcraft 58, registration PT-WNM, was performing a private flight from Tefé (SBTF) to Manaus (SWFN). The purpose of the flight was to ferry the aircraft to complete a sale process. On board were the pilot and two passengers.
During the takeoff roll, while the aircraft was approximately 30 feet above the ground, the front door opened inadvertently. In response to the emergency, the pilot executed an immediate landing on the opposite runway. The aircraft landed with the landing gear in the retracted position, causing the aircraft to overshoot the runway end by 8 meters. The impact resulted in severe damage to the propellers, engines, flaps, and fuselage, though no fire occurred.
The investigation
The investigation by SERIPA VII focused on the mechanical failure of the door and the pilot's legal qualifications. Investigators confirmed that while the aircraft's airworthiness certificate and maintenance logs for the cell, propeller, and engine were up to date, the pilot was operating with expired credentials. Specifically, the pilot's technical certificates (CHT) for both single-engine and multi-engine land aircraft had been expired for over two years. Furthermore, it was established that the pilot used another pilot's ANAC identification code to conduct the flight, a violation of RBHA 91 regulations and the Brazilian Aeronautical Code.
Findings
- The primary cause of the aircraft damage was the inadvertent opening of the front door during the initial climb.
- The pilot performed an emergency landing with the landing gear retracted.
- The pilot was operating with expired single-engine and multi-engine land technical certificates.
- The pilot used another crew member's ANAC credentials to perform the operation.