What happened
On December 27, 2016, at 19:00 UTC, an Embraer EMB-810C, registration PT-RFK, was performing a private transport flight from Barra Grande (SIRI) Aerodrome to Terravista Aerodrome in Bahia, Brazil. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and four passengers.
During the takeoff roll from runway 29, the pilot noticed that the aircraft was not reaching the required rotation speed. Consequently, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff. During the deceleration process, the aircraft exceeded the longitudinal end of the runway, striking an isolation fence with the right wingtip. The aircraft then underwent a sharp rightward turn, coming to a stop approximately 20 meters beyond the runway limit. The incident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft and damage to third-party property, though all five occupants escaped without injury.
The investigation
The investigation by SERIPA II established that the aircraft was operating significantly above its Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW). While the certified MTOW for the Embraer EMB-810C is 2,073 kg, the actual takeoff weight was 2,319 kg, exceeding the limit by 246 kg. The takeoff weight included the pilot, four passengers, 350 liters of fuel, and baggage.
Investigators analyzed the performance requirements for the given conditions, which included a temperature of 37°C and zero wind. While the aircraft might have been able to reach rotation speed under normal conditions, the investigation determined that an aborted takeoff near $V_1$ would likely require more than the 1,000 meters of runway available. The investigation also noted that the increased weight likely caused a longer takeoff roll, which may have led the pilot to believe a mechanical failure was occurring, prompting the decision to abort.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating outside of its permitted weight and balance limits.
- The pilot's decision-making and judgment regarding the aborted takeoff were key factors.
- Inadequate flight planning regarding weight limitations contributed to the event.
- The increased takeoff distance required by the overweight condition likely induced the pilot to believe the aircraft was malfunctioning.