What happened
On January 6, 2008, a Cessna 210L, registration PT-KEB, was attempting to depart from an unregistered and uncertified landing strip near the banks of the Curuá River in Novo Progresso, Pará. The flight was intended to transport one pilot and two passengers to the Novo Progresso Aerodrome.
The takeoff area, consisting of uncompacted mud, had been subjected to heavy rainfall for approximately four hours prior to the operation, making the surface extremely slippery and resistant to movement. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft reached rotation speed after using two-thirds of the available surface. Once airborne, the pilot increased the aircraft's pitch to gain airspeed, at which point a momentary engine power loss occurred.
Because the aircraft was configured with 20 degrees of flaps—exceeding the manufacturer's recommended 10 degrees for maximum performance takeoffs—the rotation speed was dangerously close to the stall speed. The loss of power caused the aircraft to lose lift and descend heavily into the mud. Despite the failed attempt and the limited remaining runway, the pilot attempted to continue the takeoff. The aircraft ultimately overran the end of the strip and crashed into the Curuidade River, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. The pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's engine, an IO-520-(L3), at a maintenance facility in Birigui, São Paulo. The inspection of the fuel system, magnetos, fuel pumps, and cylinders revealed no mechanical discrepancies or abnormalities.
Investigators also noted that while the pilot had performed multiple fuel drains and found no water immediately prior to takeoff, the aircraft had been parked in the open during heavy rains. This led to the hypothesis that water contamination may have caused the momentary engine failure. However, because the aircraft remained partially submerged in the river for two days, a definitive analysis of the fuel was not possible.
Findings
- The use of 20 degrees of flaps significantly reduced the safety margin by bringing the rotation speed too close to the stall speed.
- The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff attempt after the initial engine failure and heavy touchdown on a muddy surface was a critical factor.
- The uncertified landing strip lacked proper drainage, paved surfaces, or safety margins, such as an overrun area.
- The aircraft's exposure to heavy rain prior to takeoff likely contributed to potential fuel contamination.
- Poor flight planning and inadequate decision-making regarding the risks of operating from an uncertified, saturated strip contributed to the accident.