What happened
On May 21, 2017, at approximately 20:30 UTC, a Neiva EMB-702C, registration PT-FAI, was attempting a takeoff from the Orinduque airstrip in Uiramutã, Roraima. The aircraft was operating a passenger transport flight, carrying a pilot and four passengers. During the takeoff roll, the pilot lost control of the aircraft at the midpoint of the runway. The aircraft veered to the right, colliding with the surrounding vegetation before coming to a stop.
Despite the impact, there were no injuries among the five people on board. However, the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the left main landing gear, along with minor damage to the fuselage, wings, and elevator.
The investigation
The investigation by SERIPA VII faced significant challenges due to the operator's failure to notify authorities. The operator, TARP Táxi Aéreo Ltda, did not report the occurrence; investigators only became aware of the event through internet news reports. Furthermore, the operator moved and repaired the aircraft the day after the accident without authorization from the investigating command, preventing an initial on-site inspection.
Several regulatory discrepancies were identified during the inquiry. The aircraft was being operated under an operational lease to TARP Táxi Aéreo, but the owner used the aircraft without the company's consent. Additionally, the pilot was flying with an expired single-engine land (MNTE) rating, although his medical certificate was valid. The investigation also noted that the Orinduque airstrip was neither registered nor homologated.
Findings
- The pilot's single-engine land (MNTE) rating had been expired since February 2017.
- The flight was conducted without a filed flight plan.
- The operator lacked an ANAC-approved pilot training program for non-scheduled public air transport (TPX) operations.
- Essential maintenance records, including logbooks for the airframe, engine, and propeller, were not presented for inspection.
- The operator failed to notify the investigation authorities and did not provide the aircraft's flight log.
- The unauthorized use of the aircraft by the owner without the knowledge of the lessee contributed to the lack of regulatory oversight.