What happened
On February 16, 2013, an Embraer EMB-711 ST, registration PT-ROB, was performing a private flight departing from Ubatuba Airport (SDUB) in Brazil. During the takeoff roll on runway 09, the pilot retracted the landing gear while maintaining a very low altitude, flying just above the runway surface. After passing the far end of the runway, the pilot initiated a right-hand turn. During this maneuver, the right wingtip struck telephone wiring located near the perimeter fence separating the airfield from the surrounding area.
The impact caused the wires to break. Although the pilot reported feeling an impact, they did not perceive any immediate loss of control or change in the aircraft's handling and continued the flight to the destination at Campo de Marte (SBMT). The aircraft sustained severe damage to the leading edge of the right wing, but the two occupants remained uninjured.
The investigation
Investigators from SERIPA IV examined the flight profile and the circumstances surrounding the collision. The investigation noted that the pilot claimed the aircraft had encountered a downdraft during takeoff, though investigators could not verify this claim. The inquiry also addressed the pilot's decision-making following the strike, noting that the aircraft was not returned to Ubatuba for a damage inspection, which is a violation of safe operating procedures.
Furthermore, the investigation established that the occurrence was not immediately reported to the investigating authority, which was a breach of the regulations in effect at the time (NSCA 3-5/2008).