Runway Excursion Involves Jetstream 3201 in Loreto, Peru

Casualties unknown • PE

A Jetstream JS3201 aircraft experienced a runway excursion at El Estrecho Aerodrome, resulting in one fatality and significant damage to the airframe.

What happened

On September 20, 2022, a Jetstream JS3201, registration OB-2152, was performing a takeoff from runway 31 at El Estrecho Aerodrome (SPEE) in the Loreto region of Peru. During the takeoff roll, the crew encountered a power loss in engine number one, prompting an aborted takeoff attempt. After the captain reset the engine's propeller start locks and verified torque, the takeoff was restarted.

During the second takeoff attempt, the crew failed to properly configure the RPM levers, leaving them in the taxi position. Although the captain corrected the lever positions, the first officer abruptly reduced power to ground idle to abort the takeoff without communicating this decision to the captain. The captain immediately applied maximum braking and reverse thrust; however, the aircraft could not stop within the remaining runway. The aircraft veered right, crossed a service road, and collided with a mound of earth and vegetation. The accident resulted in one fatality and several injuries.

The investigation

The CIAA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, flight crew performance, and cockpit procedures. The investigation focused on the sequence of events following the initial engine power loss and the subsequent reconfiguration of the engine controls. Investigators also reviewed the operator's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and compared them against the manufacturer's flight manual to identify discrepancies in takeoff decision speeds and checklist execution.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the runway excursion was a loss of control resulting from a combination of errors in takeoff planning and execution.
  • The first officer failed to properly set the RPM levers to the flight position during the second takeoff attempt.
  • There was a critical failure in Crew Resource Management (CRM), specifically regarding the first officer's decision to abort the takeoff without notifying the captain.
  • Inconsistencies were identified between the operator's SOPs and the manufacturer's manual regarding V1 decision speeds and propeller lock procedures.
  • The crew utilized takeoff performance calculations that were significantly higher than required, leading to an increased required takeoff distance.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a loss of aircraft control and a subsequent runway excursion, driven by improper takeoff configuration, failure to follow standard operating procedures, and deficient crew resource management during a critical phase of flight.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2022-09-20 aircraft accident near PE?

A Jetstream JS3201 aircraft experienced a runway excursion at El Estrecho Aerodrome, resulting in one fatality and significant damage to the airframe.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2022-09-20 involved a aircraft, registration OB-2152, at PE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a loss of aircraft control and a subsequent runway excursion, driven by improper takeoff configuration, failure to follow standard operating procedures, and deficient crew resource management during a critical phase of flight.

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