What happened
On February 7, 2014, a Cirrus SR22, registration PR-VIU, departed from the Aeroclube da Paraíba (SNJO) in João Pessoa, Brazil, bound for Fortaleza (SBFZ). The flight was a private transport operation carrying a pilot and three passengers. After the engine was shut down upon arrival at the parking apron in Fortaleza, the pilot discovered damage to the tips of the propeller blades.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators conducted a thorough examination of both departure and arrival locations. An inspection of the runway and taxiway at SBFZ revealed no evidence of propeller contact, such as marks on the pavement, taxiway, or runway lighting fixtures. Furthermore, ground tests of the aircraft's engine showed no operational abnormalities or unusual vibrations.
Investigators then focused on the departure airfield, SNJO. While no direct traces of propeller contact were found at that location, a special inspection revealed that stones were present across much of the takeoff and landing runway. The investigation determined that the damage likely occurred during ground maneuvers at SNJO, specifically while the aircraft was being aligned for takeoff. The deformation pattern—slight backward bending of the blade tips—suggested the engine was at low power during the impact. Additionally, it was noted that the aircraft was approximately 50 kg above its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) during the departure from SNJO.
Findings
- The presence of stones and surface irregularities on the runway at SNJO.
- The aircraft was operating above the maximum takeoff weight.
- The propeller damage was consistent with contact with an obstacle while the aircraft was maneuvering at low power near the runway threshold.