What happened
On August 5, 2010, at approximately 17:00 UTC, an Embraer EMB-810D, registration PT-RSO, was performing a local flight departing from an unregistered landing strip near Piranhas, Goiás. The takeoff area consisted of a gravel surface measuring 1200m by 20m.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft's left wing collided with a metal-framed awning located near the end of runway 36. The awning was approximately 5 meters in height. Following the impact, the pilot executed a left turn and landed in the opposite direction of the initial takeoff. The aircraft sustained light damage, and the pilot remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation confirmed that the pilot was fully qualified, holding a valid commercial pilot license and multi-engine land rating, and possessed the necessary experience for the flight. The aircraft was also in a safe condition for flight, with a valid airworthiness certificate, up-to-date maintenance logs, and operating within proper weight and balance limits. Meteorological conditions were favorable at the time of the occurrence.
However, the investigation identified that the takeoff was conducted from an unregistered airfield. According to Brazilian aeronautical regulations (RBHA 91), the use of unregistered aerodromes for such operations is prohibited. Due to the fact that the operation was in violation of existing aviation laws and because the investigation did not yield new elements for accident prevention, CENIPA elected to interrupt the investigation process.
Findings
- The aircraft collided with an obstacle (awning) during the takeoff phase.
- The takeoff was performed from an unregistered landing strip.
- The presence of a 5-meter-tall structure near the runway end created a significant hazard during operations.