What happened
On September 12, 2012, a Xavante A-122-A, registration PP-KBU, was conducting a private pilot training flight between Luziânia and Alto Paraíso, Brazil. After landing on runway 09 at Alto Paraíso Aerodrome, the crew repositioned the aircraft for a takeoff from runway 27.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft became airborne at approximately 65 mph with the engine maintaining 2400 RPM. The instructor, monitoring the student pilot, observed that the engine failed to reach the required 2500 RPM and the airspeed did not reach the target 80 mph. Believing the engine parameters were inadequate for a safe climb, the instructor decided to perform an immediate landing on the remaining runway.
The aircraft touched down with approximately 160 meters of runway remaining. The crew applied brakes, but the aircraft traveled 1,050 meters along the asphalt before the braking marks ended. The aircraft subsequently overran the runway end, traveling 60 meters beyond the threshold and colliding with a fence. Both occupants of the aircraft were uninjured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage to its structure, engine, propeller, and landing gear.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the engine and its critical components, including the ignition system (magnetos and igniters) and the fuel system (carburetor and mechanical fuel pump). Internal inspections and cylinder compression tests revealed no discrepancies, and all components were found to be within manufacturer-specified limits. There was no evidence of mechanical failure or low performance due to engine malfunction.
Investigators also reviewed the aircraft's performance requirements. While the aircraft was operating at an altitude of 4,413 feet with a total weight of 698 kg, the operator did not possess the necessary performance charts to evaluate takeoff capabilities under the specific temperature and wind conditions present at the time.
Crucially, the investigation compared the pilot's actions to the aircraft's flight manual. The manual specifies that in the event of an engine failure where the runway is insufficient to stop the aircraft, the pilot should continue the takeoff if flight is possible, circle the field, and land immediately. The decision to land ahead of the aircraft, while the engine was still producing flight-sustaining power, was found to be in disagreement with these established procedures.
Findings
- Pilot judgment regarding the decision to land immediately instead of following established engine failure procedures.
- The aircraft overran the runway and struck a fence due to insufficient remaining runway for braking.
- No mechanical discrepancies or engine malfunctions were identified as contributing factors.