What happened
On November 16, 2010, an EMB-202 aircraft, registration PT-UIX, was performing an agricultural spraying mission at Fazenda Adamantina in Ivaté, Brazil. During the second takeoff of the day, the pilot attempted to depart with a heavy load of 600kg of fertilizer. As the aircraft accelerated down the runway, it failed to reach the necessary rotation speed.
In an attempt to maintain the takeoff, the pilot deployed one notch of flaps. However, the aircraft could not achieve sufficient aerodynamic lift and continued down the runway, eventually exceeding the pavement limits. As the aircraft approached a fence located just beyond the runway end, the pilot attempted to jettison the cargo to lighten the load. In the process, the pilot mistakenly operated the spraying lever instead of the cargo release lever. The aircraft subsequently collided with the fence, resulting in severe damage to the aircraft. The pilot escaped the wreckage uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's performance data and the operational environment. The investigation established that the aircraft's takeoff weight was 1,823kg, which exceeded the manufacturer's maximum takeoff weight of 1,800kg. The investigation also noted that the pilot had not flown this specific model since 2003 and was accustomed to the controls of an A-188, which features a different lever configuration.
Furthermore, the investigation looked into the operator's safety culture, noting a lack of formal flight safety training, a failure to perform weight and balance calculations, and an absence of an active accident prevention program. The investigation also identified that the company's management allowed for operational pressures, such as the financial impact of unjettisoned cargo, to influence flight procedures.
Findings
- Overweight takeoff: The aircraft was operating above its maximum allowable takeoff weight.
- Inadequate runway length: The available runway was insufficient for the aircraft's weight and performance requirements.
- Pilot error in control inputs: Due to a lack of recent experience in the EMB-202, the pilot mistakenly activated the spraying system instead of the cargo release mechanism.
- Poor flight planning: The pilot failed to perform necessary weight and balance calculations or consult performance charts.
- Lack of safety oversight: The operator lacked a robust safety culture, including inadequate supervision and a failure to implement an accident prevention program.