What happened
On a positioning flight operating as ALA028 from Asunción to Campinas, the crew of an Alas Paraguayas aircraft intended to conduct training maneuvers due to the lack of cargo on board. During the takeoff roll on runway 02, the pilot intentionally decreased power to the first engine once the aircraft reached rotation speed. Following liftoff, the pilot further reduced power to the second engine.
While the landing gear was still extended and the flaps were set to 15 degrees, the aircraft type became unstable and lost altitude. The impact occurred in the district of Mariano Roque Alonso, approximately 1,500 meters beyond the runway threshold. The crash resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and a subsequent fire.
Findings
- The accident resulted in 22 fatalities, comprising all four individuals on board and 18 people on the ground, many of whom were children participating in a volleyball match.
- The primary factor in the loss of control was the intentional reduction of engine power during the critical takeoff and climb phase.