What happened
On February 8, 2013, a Cessna 402 B, registration HK-4741, operated by Heligolfo S.A.S., was prepared for a flight from El Caraño aerodrome (SKUI) to Pizarro, Colombia. The aircraft was carrying two pilots and two passengers.
During the initial takeoff roll on runway 13, the crew noticed an unusual noise coming from the left engine propeller, which sounded as if plastic or tape were stuck to the blade. The pilot elected to abort the takeoff and returned to the apron. After a visual inspection revealed no apparent issues, the crew attempted the takeoff a second time.
During this second attempt, the aircraft reached rotation speed (Vr) and the nose gear lifted off the ground. At this moment, the abnormal noise recurred. The pilot attempted to abort the takeoff again, applying brakes and reducing power to idle. However, the remaining runway length was insufficient to stop the aircraft within the paved surface. The aircraft overran the runway, coming to a stop in muddy terrain approximately three meters beyond the runway end. The aircraft sustained significant structural damage to the fuselage, nose gear, and engines.
All four occupants evacuated the aircraft uninjured, and airport fire services provided immediate assistance. No post-incident fire occurred.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation focused on the operational decision-making process and the mechanical condition of the propeller. Investigators analyzed the flight crew's experience, the aircraft's maintenance history, and the concept of a balanced runway. The investigation examined the physical evidence of the propeller, specifically finding that a de-icing boot on one of the left propeller blades had become detached and deteriorated.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was an inappropriate operational decision by the pilot to discontinue the takeoff after passing the rotation speed (Vr), at a point where the remaining runway distance was insufficient to safely stop the aircraft.
- A contributing factor was the deteriorated and detached de-icing boot on the left propeller blade, which created an unusual noise due to aerodynamic friction during high power settings.
- The aircraft's nose gear suffered damage due to forced retraction upon impact with the terrain.
- The aircraft's engines experienced sudden stoppage damage during the excursion.