What happened
On December 16, 2014, at approximately 16:30 UTC, a Diamond DA 42 NG, registration PP-BCC, was performing a repositioning flight from Atibaia Aerodrome (SDTB) to Campos dos Amarais (SDAM) in Brazil. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and one passenger.
During the takeoff roll on the unpaved runway, the pilot attempted to rotate the aircraft at 76 knots, and subsequently at 80 knots, but was unable to achieve lift-off. The pilot then initiated an aborted takeoff procedure. Due to the lack of remaining runway length, the aircraft veered to the left, striking a perimeter fence before coming to a stop in a depression. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, and both occupants sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation established that the pilot was properly licensed and medically certified, and the aircraft was airworthy with all maintenance records up to date. The aircraft was operating within its weight and balance limits, with a takeoff weight of 1,705 kg.
Investigators analyzed performance software provided by the manufacturer, which indicated that for the specific conditions (unpaved surface, temperature, and altitude), approximately 992 meters of runway would be required to clear a 50-foot obstacle. However, the runway at Atibaia was only 800 meters long. The investigation also noted evidence of a tail strike, suggesting the pilot may have pulled the control column back excessively in an attempt to gain lift at insufficient speeds.
Findings
- The runway length was insufficient for a safe takeoff given the aircraft's weight and the unpaved surface conditions.
- Inadequate flight planning regarding runway length requirements and environmental variables.
- Errors in pilot judgment and decision-making regarding the decision to attempt takeoff despite the limited available distance.
- The pilot failed to consider alternative operational variables, such as reducing aircraft weight or delaying takeoff to a cooler time of day, which would have improved performance.