What happened
On June 7, 2015, at 18:25 UTC, a Hawker Beechcraft C90GTI, registration PR-AVG, departed from Pampulha Airport (SBBH) bound for Setubinha (SSQO). The aircraft was carrying two pilots and one passenger. The flight plan was filed as a "Y" type, intended to begin under instrument flight rules (IFR) before transitioning to visual flight rules (VFR).
During taxiing, the commander informed the co-pilot of the intention to perform an "American-style" takeoff, also known as a maximum performance takeoff. This maneuver involves maintaining a low altitude near the ground to gain high speed before a steep climb. Instead of following the prescribed IFR departure procedure, the crew performed a low-level pass with the landing gear retracted, accelerating until the end of the runway. After passing the threshold, the aircraft initiated an abrupt climb at an approximately 90-degree attitude, reaching 1,700 feet in just 15 seconds. At the apex of this maneuver, the aircraft lost lift, stalled, and entered a spin. The aircraft descended uncontrollably and impacted the ground in the Minas Lândia neighborhood of Belo Horizonte, where it exploded and was consumed by fire. All three occupants perished in the crash, and a resident near the impact site sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators analyzed the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), which captured the crew's discussion regarding the intended high-performance takeoff. The investigation examined the aircraft's engines and control systems, finding that the engines were operating at high power at the moment of impact and that all control cables and systems were functional prior to the crash. The investigation also reviewed the regulatory framework, specifically RBHA 91, regarding acrobatic flight restrictions. Investigators noted that while such maneuvers were reportedly common at the airport, they were unauthorized for the crew, who were not rated for acrobatic flight.
Findings
- The crew intentionally performed a high-performance takeoff maneuver that deviated from the authorized IFR departure profile.
- The aircraft entered a stall and subsequent spin due to the abrupt 90-degree pitch attitude at the top of the maneuver.
- The flight occurred within a Class C airspace (CTR Belo Horizonte) and over a densely populated area, violating regulations that prohibit acrobatic maneuvers (defined as intentional abrupt changes in attitude or unnecessary accelerations) under such conditions.
- The aircraft was within weight and balance limits, and all maintenance and airworthiness documentation was up to date.
- The engines were fully operational and providing high power during the sequence of events.