What happened
On October 20, 2017, at approximately 18:45 UTC, a Commander 114, registration PR-LTL, was performing a private flight from Aeródromo Agricenter in Ponta Porã, MS, to Campo Grande, MS. The flight was intended to transport one pilot and one passenger.
During the takeoff roll, approximately 500 meters from the runway threshold, the aircraft veered off the runway and collided with a perimeter fence. The impact was followed by a fire that consumed the aircraft, leaving it destroyed. Despite the intensity of the fire, both the pilot and the passenger managed to evacuate the wreckage and were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the runway conditions and the pilot's decision-making process. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was highly experienced, with over 12,000 flight hours, and held valid medical and aeronautical licenses. The aircraft was also found to be in compliance with all maintenance requirements, with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and being within weight and balance limits.
Investigators noted that the runway at the private aerodrome, consisting of gravel, was in a highly degraded state, characterized by significant irregularities, ruts, and encroaching vegetation. While the pilot selected runway 18 based on the wind direction indicated by the windsock, local information revealed a moderate crosswind between 180 and 270 degrees. It was also noted that runway 36 was more commonly used due to the poor surface conditions.
Findings
- The primary contributing factor was the irregular condition of the runway, specifically the presence of ruts in the gravel and vegetation, which likely caused intermittent loss of tire contact with the surface, thereby reducing directional control effectiveness.
- The choice of runway heading, considering the crosswind and the degraded infrastructure, was a factor under investigation.
- The aircraft's mechanical systems and performance were not found to be at fault prior to the loss of control.