What happened
On July 7, 2019, at approximately 14:00 UTC, a Neiva Regente 42 Elo, registration PR-ZER, was attempting to depart from an unregistered site in a rural area of Caroebe, Roraima. The flight was intended to be a private operation carrying a pilot and one passenger. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft utilized the entire available length of the chosen site but failed to lift off before reaching the end of the strip. The aircraft overran the longitudinal limit, entered a grassy area, and subsequently overturned.
The impact resulted in substantial damage to the propeller, engine, auxiliary landing gear, fuselage, and empennage. Both occupants sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators learned of the occurrence through online news reports. Subsequent inquiries with local civil police in São João da Baliza revealed that the pilot and passenger were detained at the scene along with cargo suspected to be illicit.
Investigators confirmed that the pilot held a valid commercial pilot license and a valid single-engine land rating, as well as a current medical certificate. While the aircraft's registration status with ANAC was valid, investigators were unable to obtain the Annual Maintenance Inspection Report (RIAM) to verify the aircraft's airworthiness at the time of the accident. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the takeoff was conducted from an unregistered location, which is a violation of Brazilian aeronautical regulations regarding the use of aerodromes.
Findings
- The aircraft attempted to take off from an unregistered location, which failed to meet minimum safety standards.
- The takeoff roll exceeded the available runway length, leading to the excursion and subsequent rollover.
- The operation was conducted in violation of existing aeronautical regulations regarding the use of aerodromes.
- The use of an unregistered takeoff site created unsafe conditions for the flight.