What happened
On November 15, 2022, an AT-402B agricultural aircraft, registration PR-JRS, was attempting a takeoff from an unpaved landing strip at Fazenda 5 Estrelas in São Félix do Xingu, Pará. The aircraft was performing a scheduled crop-spraying operation.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft failed to achieve sufficient lift to sustain flight. As a result, the aircraft returned to the landing area, overran the departure end of the airstrip, and veered to the left. The impact caused the left main landing gear to detach and the tires to burst. The aircraft also struck fences, causing significant damage to the right wing, flaps, and ailerons. While the fuel tanks were damaged and leaked, no fire occurred. The pilot was not injured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators determined that the aircraft was operating outside of its safe flight envelope. Specifically, the aircraft's weight was calculated at 3,453.8 kg, which exceeded the maximum takeoff weight of 3,175.0 kg permitted for normal operations. Furthermore, the center of gravity (CG) was found to be outside the allowable forward limit, which hindered the aircraft's ability to rotate the nose during takeoff.
The investigation also revealed that the aircraft was not properly configured for the heavy load. While the aircraft manual supplement recommended a 20° flap setting for overweight agricultural operations, the flaps were found in the retracted (0°) position. Additionally, the investigation noted that the pilot had attempted to adjust the Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) while the tailwheel was lifting off the ground, creating a brief distraction.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating outside of its specified weight and balance limits.
- The center of gravity was positioned beyond the forward limit of the allowable range.
- The aircraft was not configured for takeoff, as the flaps were in the retracted position instead of the recommended 20°.
- There was a lack of adequate safety culture within the operator's organization, specifically regarding the failure to perform necessary CG calculations.
- Organizational oversight was insufficient, allowing for flight planning and execution that deviated from prescribed manual settings.
- Pilot distraction occurred due to the adjustment of navigation equipment during a critical phase of flight.