What happened
While performing a takeoff roll from runway 31 at El Estrecho Airport, the flight crew initiated a transfer of control. Once the aircraft reached a speed of 80 knots, the captain transitioned control of the aircraft to the first officer to finish the takeoff sequence.
As the aircraft progressed approximately 1,000 metres along the runway, it failed to achieve lift-off. Without notifying the captain of his intentions, the first officer initiated an aborted takeoff by reducing engine power and applying the brakes. Upon sensing the loss of power, the captain regained control of the aircraft and applied both the brakes and reverse thrust.
The momentum of the aircraft caused it to overshoot the runway perimeter by roughly 50 metres. The aircraft exited the paved surface and collided with a mound consisting of vegetation and earth located in the runway extension. The impact left the aircraft partially destroyed. The accident resulted in one fatality among the passengers and caused injuries to the remaining occupants on board.
Findings
- The first officer decided to abort the takeoff procedure without communicating the decision to the captain.
- Lack of communication between the flight crew during the transition of control and the subsequent abort maneuver contributed to the excursion.