Cessna 208B Overruns Runway After Aborted Takeoff in Rio Branco

Casualties unknown • CRUZEIRO DO SUL, AC, BR

A Cessna 208B cargo aircraft exited the runway at Rio Branco Aerodrome after the pilot aborted the takeoff following a door warning light activation.

What happened

On March 10, 2010, a Cessna 208B, registration PT-MEA, was performing a cargo flight for the Brazilian postal service from Rio Branco to Cruzeiro do Sul. During the takeoff roll at Rio Branco Aerodrome (SBRB), the aircraft reached rotation speed when a door warning light illuminated on the instrument panel.

Upon seeing the alarm, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff. Despite applying maximum braking and reverse thrust, the aircraft could not stop within the remaining runway distance, eventually exiting the pavement and coming to a rest 106 meters beyond the runway threshold in the stopway area. The aircraft sustained minor damage, including a superficial cut to a main landing gear tire and a broken runway edge light. The two crew members were uninjured.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance history and mechanical systems. The aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid, and all maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were up to date. A functional check of the rear door micro-switches was performed during the investigation, and no faults were found in the door warning system. Additionally, a runway test with the doors closed and locked failed to trigger the warning light.

Performance analysis indicated that the aircraft required 523 meters for takeoff and approximately 315 meters for braking. At the moment the warning light appeared, the aircraft was traveling at approximately 90 knots and had 900 meters of runway remaining. Investigators could not determine the specific technical reason why the braking distance exceeded the available runway.

Findings

  • Inadequate decision-making or execution of emergency procedures, as the pilot may have delayed the application of brakes and reverse thrust after the alarm.
  • Potential deficiencies in crew coordination (CRM) during the emergency phase.
  • Possible inadequacy in training regarding engine failure or emergency procedures during the takeoff roll.
  • The aircraft was within weight and balance limits and operating under favorable meteorological conditions.

Probable cause

The aircraft overran the runway because the pilot's response to the door warning light—specifically the timing of braking and reverse thrust application—may have been delayed, potentially due to inadequate training or poor crew resource management during the emergency.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2010-03-10 aircraft accident near CRUZEIRO DO SUL, AC, BR?

A Cessna 208B cargo aircraft exited the runway at Rio Branco Aerodrome after the pilot aborted the takeoff following a door warning light activation.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2010-03-10 involved a aircraft, registration PTMEA, at CRUZEIRO DO SUL, AC, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft overran the runway because the pilot's response to the door warning light—specifically the timing of braking and reverse thrust application—may have been delayed, potentially due to inadequate training or poor crew resource management during the emergency.

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