What happened
On December 3, 2014, an Embraer EMB-202 performing agricultural spraying operations was conducting its eighth takeoff of the day at a farm in Veríssimo, Minas Gerais. During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported hearing an abnormal engine noise and perceived a loss of power. In response, the pilot attempted to abort the takeoff and return to the runway. However, the aircraft could not be stopped within the remaining runway limits. The aircraft overran the threshold, collided with a fence, and jettisoned its cargo before coming to a rest in a nearby sugarcane plantation. The aircraft sustained substantial damage throughout its structure, though the pilot escaped uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's configuration and performance capabilities. Investigators found that the flaps were retracted at the time of the incident. While the aircraft's operating manual recommends a flap setting of eight degrees for takeoff to increase lift at low speeds, the investigation determined that the aircraft remained flyable with retracted flaps. Based on the aircraft's weight of approximately 1,550kg, the stall speed with retracted flaps was 56 mph, while the takeoff speed was 70 mph, meaning the aircraft was operating above stall speed.
Analysis of the wreckage and mechanical testing showed no anomalies in the flap mechanisms. It was concluded that because the aircraft was already gaining speed, the increased lift from acceleration would have made a return to the runway unnecessary. The investigation established that the increased takeoff roll distance caused by the retracted flaps led the pilot to misinterpret the aircraft's performance as an engine failure or power limitation.
Findings
- Pilot judgment regarding the decision to abort the takeoff based on a perceived power loss.
- The pilot's perception of an engine failure was induced by the longer takeoff roll required due to the retracted flap configuration.
- Maintenance records for the airframe, engine, and propeller were found to be out of date regarding monthly hour tracking.