What happened
On April 30, 2022, at approximately 09:28 UTC, a Neiva EMB-201A, registration PT-GXB, was attempting to take off from a grass landing strip at Fazenda Paulistânia in Alto Piquiri, Paraná, for an agricultural spraying mission. The aircraft began its takeoff roll normally, reaching the rotation speed of 65 mph. However, after rotation, the aircraft climbed briefly before trending back toward the ground. The aircraft overran the longitudinal limit of the landing area, colliding with a cornfield approximately 2.5 meters high before striking the ground. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but the pilot escaped the wreckage uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's engine, accessories, and fuel. Laboratory analysis of the fuel showed only minimal alterations that would not affect engine performance, and the engine components showed no signs of malfunction. The pilot was found to be fully qualified with valid medical and agricultural certifications.
Technical analysis of the takeoff performance revealed that, given the estimated weight of 1,674 kg, an ambient temperature of 20°C, and an altitude of 1,377 ft, the required takeoff distance to reach 50 feet was approximately 879 meters. The available runway length was only 800 meters. Furthermore, investigators determined that the accident occurred roughly 26 minutes before sunrise, meaning the operation took place in low-light conditions.
Findings
- The flight planning failed to account for the specific performance requirements of the aircraft under the existing weight and environmental conditions.
- The landing strip lacked any visual markings or lighting to delineate its boundaries.
- The low-light environment, combined with the lack of runway markings and the surrounding tall vegetation, likely hindered the pilot's ability to perceive the end of the runway during the takeoff roll.