Accident Details
A single-engine airplane departed Manaus-Eduardo Gomes Airport Runway 29 as heavy rain fell and weather conditions deteriorated shortly before takeoff. After liftoff, while in the initial climb phase, the aircraft lost altitude and impacted a densely wooded area approximately 600 meters beyond the end of the runway. The impact forces destroyed the aircraft. All 10 occupants sustained injuries, with six classified as serious.
At the time of the accident, weather conditions were poor, characterized by heavy rain, turbulence, and windshear.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the accident resulted from a combination of factors. Control skills were undetermined; it was noted that the use of controls may have been inappropriate for the adverse conditions, potentially preventing the aircraft from maintaining a positive climb rate. Attitude was undetermined; the pilot-in-command (PIC) may have minimized the importance of analyzing adverse weather, failing to comply with company minimum limits. Training was undetermined; the second-in-command (SIC) may not have recognized the critical situation in time due to possible inadequate training. Tasks characteristics were undetermined; schedule compliance pressures, including a runway closing period, may have led the PIC to operate with reduced safety margins.
Adverse meteorological conditions were a contributor; the weather at takeoff hindered the aircraft's ability to maintain a positive climb rate, and the probable occurrence of windshear altered the aircraft's trajectory until ground impact. Crew resource management was undetermined; the SIC did not display an assertive attitude to alert the PIC that conditions were unfavorable, and the crew took off despite company standard operating procedures. Organizational culture was undetermined; the company encouraged leg completion without adequate time buffers, possibly influencing the PIC's decision to take off given tight ground times. Emotional state was undetermined; reports indicated the PIC felt pressured to take off due to flight schedule demands and runway closure, potentially affecting their assessment.
Flight planning was a contributor; it was not properly executed, as planned schedules and routes would extend past the runway closing time per NOTAM, leaving little adjustment time and increasing workload and stress. Decision-making process was a contributor; the crew wrongly assessed the meteorological conditions, leading to the decision to take off in adverse conditions. ATS publication was undetermined; the tower did not inform of significant weather changes before takeoff, which could have influenced the PIC's decision-making.