Accident Overview
A training flight at Rio de Janeiro-Galeão Airport ended abruptly when the nose gear retracted during the takeoff roll, shortly after the aircraft reached V1 speed. The aircraft settled onto its belly, lost power from engines two and three, and slid along the runway before coming to a stop engulfed in flames. All seven crew members on board reported slight injuries. The aircraft itself sustained damage beyond repair.
Sequence of Events
The crew was conducting a local training flight. During the takeoff roll, just after V1 speed, the nose landing gear unexpectedly retracted. As a result, the aircraft sank onto its belly, causing both engines number two and three to separate. The aircraft continued sliding for several yards before it came to rest in flames. Emergency services responded, and the crew evacuated with minor injuries.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause: poor flight preparation or lack of crew coordination led the crew to retract the undercarriage prematurely while the aircraft had not yet taken off. No other causal factors were cited in the findings.