What happened
On December 29, 2009, an EMB-711C aircraft, registration PT-NKJ, was performing a flight from Luziânia, GO, to Goiânia, GO, under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). During the flight, the pilot encountered deteriorating weather conditions, including low cloud bases and rain, which prevented the continuation of the planned route. To avoid flying into clouds, the pilot performed an emergency landing in a soybean plantation in Planaltina, DF.
After observing an improvement in the weather, the pilot attempted to take off from the same unprepared field. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft encountered an undulation in the terrain, causing it to lift off the ground. Believing the aircraft had sufficient flight conditions, the pilot retracted the landing gear. However, the aircraft was still below the minimum required airspeed for sustained flight. The pilot attempted to climb by pulling back on the control column, which increased drag and induced an aerodynamic stall. Realizing the aircraft could not maintain altitude, the pilot lowered the nose and reduced power, resulting in the aircraft returning to the ground and sliding across the field. The propeller struck the ground during the impact.
The investigation
CENIPA investigated the circumstances surrounding the accident, focusing on the pilot's decision-making and flight execution. The investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, which showed the EMB-711C was airworthy and within weight and balance limits. The investigation also reviewed the meteorological conditions, confirming that the initial weather prevented VFR flight and necessitated the emergency landing. Investigators analyzed the engine and propeller, finding no mechanical failures; the propeller blades showed characteristics of impact with low power.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff from an unauthorized, unprepared field was a primary contributing factor.
- The pilot retracted the landing gear prematurely, likely due to a lack of experience with this specific aircraft type, which prevented the aircraft from maintaining necessary airspeed.
- Inadequate flight planning, including the failure to prepare visual navigation charts or identify alternative aerodromes, contributed to the emergency situation.
- Adverse meteorological conditions forced the initial emergency landing in the plantation.
- The pilot's improper use of flight controls during the stall recovery attempt contributed to the loss of altitude.
- The pilot and passenger were uninjured, though the aircraft sustained severe damage to the engine and propeller.