What happened
On 24 August 2016, a Britten Norman BN2A-26, registration 8R-GRA, was attempting a takeoff from the Eteringbang Airstrip in Region 7, Guyana. The flight was part of a scheduled fuel shuttle operation for Roraima Airways Limited. Following a heavy tropical downpour, the pilot observed areas of standing water on the runway during the takeoff roll.
As the aircraft reached the highest point of the runway, the pilot attempted to rotate the aircraft early to avoid the water. However, the starboard main undercarriage made contact with the standing water, causing a significant loss of speed and forcing the nose wheel back onto the ground. The pilot subsequently decided to abort the takeoff. Despite applying brakes and shutting down engine power and fuel, the aircraft continued to skid across the wet surface and grass. The excursion ended when the nose wheel struck a natural rock formation approximately 197 feet from the end of the runway. All six persons on board, including the pilot and five passengers, escaped without injury.
The investigation
The GCAA investigation examined the aircraft's recent maintenance history, the condition of the airstrip, and the pilot's operational procedures. Investigators found that the aircraft had recently undergone repairs to its undercarriage following a separate incident where a torque link bolt had gone missing. The investigation also scrutinized the company's oversight of pilot training and the adequacy of maintenance support for remote shuttle operations.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the contact of the main undercarriage with standing water on the runway.
- The Eteringbang Airstrip was in a poor state of maintenance, lacking essential safety equipment such as a windsock.
- The aircraft was operating without the required number of seats and seatbelts for the five passengers on board.
- The pilot failed to properly document the load manifest and did not ensure all weight and balance calculations were carried on the flight.
- The operator failed to provide sufficient maintenance and engineering support for operations away from their primary base.
- The company's Director of Operations was found to be unqualified for the position under current regulations.