What happened
On June 6, 2018, at approximately 13:30 UTC, an Embraer EMB-201A, registration PT-GSW, was performing agricultural operations at an airstrip located at Estância do Chaless, in Caçapava do Sul, RS. The aircraft was engaged in fertilizer application over a eucalyptus area.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot decided to abort the departure. At a speed of approximately 55 mph, the pilot reduced engine power and applied the brakes abruptly. Due to the low friction of the grass surface and the presence of water, the aircraft skidded, overran the end of the 700-meter runway, and entered a rice field. The aircraft subsequently overturned in an irrigation ditch, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. The pilot was uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the pilot held valid medical and flight qualifications and was experienced in agricultural flight operations. The aircraft was airworthy, within weight and balance limits, and all maintenance records were up to date.
While the weather conditions were generally favorable, the investigation noted that the runway—a grass surface—was wet due to recent rains and contained puddles. The investigation also highlighted that while the aircraft manual provided takeoff distances for various paved and unpaved surfaces, it lacked specific performance data for an agricultural configuration on wet grass. The increased drag from the agricultural equipment and the reduced friction of the wet grass likely increased the required takeoff distance.
Findings
- The pilot's inadequate piloting judgment regarding the decision to perform an abrupt aborted takeoff at a high speed on a slippery surface.
- Inadequate flight planning, specifically the failure to consider the risks posed by the wet, unpaved runway and tailwind components during the takeoff decision.