What happened
On September 28, 2021, a 1124A (Westwind II), registration PR-BVB, was performing an aeromedical transport flight (Air ICU) from Goiânia, Brazil, to Miami, USA, with a planned technical stop in Trinidad and Tobago. The aircraft was carrying five occupants, including two crewmembers, two medical staff, and one patient.
During the takeoff roll on runway 14 at Santa Genoveva International Airport (SBGO), the crew initiated a rejected takeoff. During the deceleration process, the aircraft overran the longitudinal limits of the runway and came to a stop within the aerodrome area. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the landing gear, flaps, stabilizer, and wingtips, there were no injuries to any of the occupants.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the aircraft's weight and balance, as well as the crew's decision-making. The investigation established that the aircraft was operating outside of its prescribed weight and balance limits. Specifically, the aircraft took off with 776 lbs above the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) permitted for the existing temperature and altitude conditions at the airport.
Furthermore, the investigation found that the aircraft's center of gravity (CG) was behind the selected takeoff trim, which reduced stability and increased elevator sensitivity. Although a tailwind of 8 to 10 knots was reported, it was within the aircraft's operating limits. The investigation also noted that while the engines functioned correctly, the crew's decision to proceed with the flight despite the weight limitation prevented a successful climb and led to the subsequent rejected takeoff and excursion.