On June 14, 2024, an aircraft (registration PPAFK) was involved in an aviation accident near TERESINA, PI, BR. This summary draws on records from the Brazilian Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA).
A Cirrus SR22 (PP-AFK) operated by Above Aviation Ltda. lost directional control during takeoff on 14 June 2024 at Fazenda Canaã Aerodrome (SD7E), Teresina, Brazil, resulting in a runway excursion and substantial damage. All five occupants were uninjured.
Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On 14 June 2024, at approximately 15:16 UTC, a Cirrus Design SR22 with registration PP-AFK, operated by Above Aviation Ltda., experienced a loss of control on the ground during a takeoff roll at Fazenda Canaã Aerodrome (SD7E) in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil. The aircraft was conducting a private visual flight rules (VFR) passenger transport flight from SD7E to Barra Grande Aerodrome (SI8W) in Cajueiro da Praia, Piauí. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, while all five occupants—one pilot and four passengers—exited the aircraft uninjured. ## Flight History and Operational Context The flight was conducted under the requirements of Brazilian Civil Aviation Regulation (RBAC) No. 91. The Pilot in Command (PIC) held a valid Private Pilot License (Airplane) with current single-engine and multi-engine land ratings, as well as a valid medical certificate. The PIC had a total of 497 hours and 54 minutes of flight experience, including 8 hours and 40 minutes in the accident aircraft model. The aircraft had a total airframe time of 893 hours and 40 minutes at the time of the accident. ## Maintenance and Pre-Flight Status The aircraft's airframe, engine, and propeller logbooks were up to date. A 100-hour inspection and the issuance of the Certificate of Airworthiness Verification (CVA) were completed on 7 June 2024 by Goiás Manutenção de Aeronaves in Goiânia, Goiás. The aircraft had accumulated 8 hours and 40 minutes of flight time since that inspection. The PIC reported no system or component anomalies during the takeoff roll. ## Meteorological and Aerodrome Conditions The aerodrome was a private-use facility operating under VFR during daylight hours. The runway was asphalt, designated 18/36, with dimensions of 1,600 meters by 20 meters and an elevation of 400 feet. It was located 13 kilometers northwest of Senador Petrônio Portela Aerodrome (SBTE). Meteorological conditions were above the minimums required for the flight, with an ambient temperature of approximately 32°C, surface winds from 180 degrees with variable intensity, and a dry, unobstructed runway at the time of the occurrence. ## Sequence of Events The PIC arrived at SD7E at approximately 12:00 UTC to transport the aircraft owner and three other passengers. The PIC completed the pre-flight checklist, started the engine at approximately 15:05 UTC, taxied, and aligned the aircraft for a normal takeoff from Runway 18. The aircraft was configured with flaps at 50% and the elevator trim in the takeoff position, in accordance with the Pilot’s Operating Handbook. During the takeoff roll, the PIC advanced the throttle to full. The aircraft drifted slightly to the left and exhibited a tendency to pitch up as it crossed approximately 50 knots indicated airspeed, after traveling about 200 meters down the runway. The PIC attempted to counteract these movements, but the nose wheel lifted off the ground, and the lower part of the rear cone touched the runway. The aircraft then began to bank to the right. When the main landing gear left the ground, the right wing and the underside of the right elevator contacted the runway. In an attempt to correct the right-wing-low attitude, the PIC reduced power and applied left control input, which leveled the wings and returned the landing gear to the ground. However, the aircraft continued to taxi off the right side of the runway and collided with an earthen embankment. The PIC reduced the throttle to idle and cut the engine using the mixture control before the aircraft came to a complete stop. ## Contributing Factors The investigation considered the possibility that the aircraft's weight and balance may have influenced its performance. The report referenced Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidance from the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, which notes that operating an aircraft outside its manufacturer's weight and balance limits can compromise structural integrity and negatively affect performance. An overloaded aircraft may exhibit higher takeoff speeds, longer takeoff runs, and reduced climb performance. Additionally, an out-of-limits center of gravity can result in difficult or unstable control characteristics.