What happened
On October 12, 2017, a Beechcraft B55, registration PT-JVL, was performing a takeoff from Atibaia Aerodrome (SDTB) in São Paulo, Brazil. The flight was intended to transport a pilot and two passengers to Bragança Paulista. During the takeoff roll on runway 02, the pilot perceived insufficient engine performance and initiated an aborted takeoff. As the aircraft approached the end of the runway, it drifted to the right, crossed the lateral limit, and fell into a depression. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, while all three occupants sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators analyzed the aircraft's maintenance records, fuel samples, and engine components. While the fuel was found to be within legal specifications, a bench test of the right engine's fuel metering unit revealed a leak near the fuel cutoff valve, which could have compromised engine performance.
Using video footage from an observer, the investigation established that the aircraft actually lifted off approximately 99 meters before the calculated rotation point and then settled back onto the runway. This suggests the pilot may have applied excessive elevator input or attempted rotation before reaching the required speed, dissipating energy and contributing to the perception of poor performance. Furthermore, the investigation compared the available runway length to the performance requirements found in the Pilot's Operating Handbook. It was determined that while the runway was sufficient for a standard takeoff, it lacked the necessary length to accelerate to the decision speed and safely complete an aborted takeoff.
Findings
- The pilot's decision-making and piloting judgment contributed to the accident, specifically the decision to abort the takeoff without sufficient runway remaining.
- Inadequate flight planning was a contributing factor, as the takeoff and stopping distances for an aborted maneuver were not properly calculated.
- A fuel leak in the right engine's metering unit was identified, which may have contributed to the perceived lack of performance.
- The aircraft's rotation occurred prematurely, leading to a loss of acceleration energy.