2 fatalities

1996-06-04: Learjet 25 (PT-KBC) — Aeroexecutivos Taxi Aéreo — Ribeirão Preto, Brazil

Ribeirão Preto, BrazilTakeoff (climb)

On June 4, 1996, a Learjet 25 (registration PT-KBC) operated by Aeroexecutivos Taxi Aéreo was involved in an aviation accident near Ribeirão Preto, Brazil during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The investigation found indications of psychological variables influencing the instructor's decision; inadequate supervision by the operating company; crew resource management errors; inadequate planning; copilot error in power lever management; deficient… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781206981Data APIEditorial standards

On a training flight, a touch-and-go maneuver following a simulated left engine failure led to a crash beyond the runway. The aircraft struck a truck and a tree, resulting in fatalities and injuries.

Incident Overview

The aircraft departed São Paulo on a training flight with an intermediate stop in Uberaba, ultimately bound for Ribeirão Preto. During the approach to Ribeirão Preto-Leite Lopes Airport, the instructor reduced power on the left engine to simulate a failure and planned to execute a touch-and-go landing.

Sequence of Events

After touchdown, the left engine power lever remained in the idle position. The captain took over control and attempted a takeoff, deeming it impossible to stop on the remaining runway. The aircraft lifted off but landed approximately 92 meters past the runway end. Out of control, it collided with a truck and a tree, came to rest, and burst into flames.

Casualties and Damage

One occupant of the truck and one pilot were killed. Three other pilots sustained injuries. The aircraft was destroyed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation identified the following contributing factors: psychological variables possibly influencing the instructor's decision; inadequate supervision by the operating company, including lack of training and simulator sessions; errors in crew resource management and task fulfillment; inadequate planning for takeoff and landing briefings; the copilot's delayed reduction of power levers and inadequate situation assessment; deficient training processes lacking simulator and CRM programs; and indications that throttle difficulties were caused by a broken cable fiber jamming inside its corrugated cover.