What happened
On December 6, 2012, an Embraer EMB-720D, registration PT-VKO, was performing a private cargo and passenger flight from Belém (SBJC) to Portel (SIPY). During the takeoff roll at Brigadeiro Protásio de Oliveira Aerodrome, the pilot initiated rotation after traveling approximately 450 meters and reaching a speed of 60 knots.
Upon rotation, the pilot noticed the aircraft was failing to gain sufficient airspeed. Consequently, the pilot decided to perform an emergency landing further down the same runway. The pilot shut down the engine, allowing the aircraft to coast without braking. Upon entering the overrun area, the pilot applied the brakes and performed a sharp maneuver to stop the aircraft before it could strike the airport's perimeter wall. The two occupants, the pilot and one passenger, exited the aircraft unharmed, and no damage to the aircraft or third parties was reported.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's weight and balance records and the takeoff performance requirements. The investigation established that the aircraft's total weight was 1,559 kg. While the total weight was within limits, the distribution of the load was improper. Specifically, the weight in the forward baggage compartment was 52 kg, exceeding the maximum limit of 45 kg.
Calculations performed during the investigation revealed that the center of gravity (C.G.) was located at 2.48 meters aft, which exceeded the maximum allowable aft limit of 2.413 meters. Furthermore, the investigation determined that at the time of rotation (60 knots), the aircraft had only covered 450 meters of runway, whereas a minimum of 580 meters was required to reach the necessary takeoff speed of 80 knots. It was concluded that the improper load distribution likely degraded the longitudinal stability of the aircraft, preventing a successful liftoff.
Findings
- Improper weight and balance distribution causing the center of gravity to exceed the aft limit.
- Inadequate takeoff performance due to rotation at a speed lower than required for the runway length.
- Failure to complete a cargo manifest.
- Inadequate flight planning.
- Errors in pilot judgment during the takeoff phase.