What happened
On October 25, 2016, an EMB 711A aircraft, registration PT-NQS, departed from the Espumoso aerodrome in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, bound for Passo Fundo. The flight was intended for the transport of personnel and cargo. The aircraft was carrying a significant load of alcoholic beverages, totaling approximately 305kg, including roughly 184 bottles.
Before takeoff, the crew noted the heavy load and measured the distance from the aircraft tail to the ground to monitor clearance. Despite the prevailing wind favoring a takeoff from runway 08, the crew opted to use runway 26 to avoid flying over the local urban area due to the weight. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft struggled to gain altitude and entered a left-hand turn. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground in a rural area, resulting in two fatalities and substantial damage to the airframe.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the aircraft was operating significantly beyond its structural and operational limits. The investigation found that the aircraft was approximately 200kg over its maximum takeoff weight of 1202kg. Furthermore, the cargo was not properly secured according to the manufacturer's manual, with a portion of the bottles placed on the passenger seat without any restraints.
The investigation also revealed that the passenger in the left seat, who was not a licensed pilot, had performed the engine start procedures. Additionally, the aircraft was operating without an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT), as the unit had been removed for maintenance without being recorded in the aircraft's logbooks. Due to the presence of significant regulatory violations and the inability to verify the full maintenance history, CENIPA opted to interrupt the investigation.
Findings
- The aircraft was approximately 200kg over the maximum takeoff weight.
- The cargo distribution was in violation of the manufacturer's manual, and the weight in the baggage compartment exceeded the 91kg limit.
- The aircraft took off with a tailwind due to the choice of runway 26.
- The passenger in the left seat lacked the necessary medical certificate and pilot license.
- The aircraft was operating without a functional ELT.
- The engine was found to be operating normally and producing power consistent with the flight phase at the time of the accident.