Aircraft overrun into Guanabara Bay during takeoff at Santos Dumont Airport

No fatalities • Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont, Brazil • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft aborted its takeoff roll at Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport, resulting in an excursion into Guanabara Bay.

What happened

While performing the takeoff roll at Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport, the pilot determined that the necessary conditions for a successful departure were not satisfied. In response, the crew initiated an aborted takeoff. However, the aircraft could not be brought to a halt within the available runway length. Consequently, the plane exited the paved surface and entered Guanabara Bay, where it eventually stopped.

There were five people on board during the incident. All occupants managed to evacuate the aircraft without life-threatening harm, though they sustained minor injuries. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

  • The pilot identified that safety parameters for takeoff were not met prior to the overrun.
  • Insufficient runway distance prevented the aircraft from stopping before leaving the airport perimeter.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to abort the takeoff resulted in an overrun because the remaining runway length was inadequate to stop the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-07-03 Cessna 500 Citation accident near Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont, Brazil?

An aircraft aborted its takeoff roll at Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport, resulting in an excursion into Guanabara Bay.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-07-03 Cessna 500 Citation accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-07-03 involved a Cessna 500 Citation, registration PT-ILJ, operated by Riana Táxi Aéreo, at Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to abort the takeoff resulted in an overrun because the remaining runway length was inadequate to stop the aircraft.

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