What happened
On May 24, 2019, a Petrel 912i, registration LV-HKA, was performing a recreational flight from General Rodríguez to Carmen de Areco. After an initial successful flight leg where the pilot dropped off a passenger, the pilot attempted a solo return flight. During the takeoff roll on runway 04, the aircraft rotated and immediately veered approximately 90 degrees to the right of the runway centerline. Shortly after liftoff, the aircraft struck the ground in an adjacent field, resulting in significant damage to the airframe, engine, and propeller. The pilot sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, flight manual documentation, and the regulatory framework of the operation. Investigators found that the aircraft was not being maintained in accordance with current regulations, noting missing records for several required inspections, including the 2/5/100-hour intervals and specific component inspections for the nose gear and flap systems. Additionally, the investigation reviewed the flight manual, which contained conflicting terminology regarding stall speeds, and evaluated the legality of the aircraft rental arrangement provided by Master’s of the Sky S.A.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating at a weight significantly below its maximum takeoff weight.
- The Petrel 912i exhibits a tendency to "float" at speeds below 50 mph when operating under light weights.
- The pilot likely initiated rotation prematurely, causing the aircraft to enter a flight condition near its aerodynamic stall speed.
- A crosswind from the left increased the difficulty of correcting the uncommanded right turn, leading to the loss of control.
- The aircraft's control surfaces lost effectiveness as it transitioned out of the ground effect.
- The aircraft was not in a certified airworthy condition due to lapsed maintenance inspections.
- The aircraft's Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) was neither active nor properly registered.
Safety action
- The National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC) was advised to survey operators performing similar commercial activities to ensure they are properly regulated under air taxi/work air regulations.
- The manufacturer, Proyecto Petrel S.A., was recommended to urgently review all supporting operational documentation to correct discrepancies found in the flight manual.