What happened
On January 24, 1992, a Beechcraft V-35B, registration PT-CQQ, departed from the Atibaia airfield in São Paulo, Brazil, bound for Tocantins. At the time of departure, the airfield was covered in dense fog, with horizontal visibility reported at only 50 meters. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft entered a left-hand turn, passing over a hangar, where it struck overhead power lines. The impact forced the aircraft into the ground near the shoulder of the Fernão Dias highway, where it slid down an embankment. The aircraft caught fire upon impact, resulting in the two fatalities of the occupants at the scene.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and determined that the propeller shaft fracture indicated the engine was producing power at the moment of impact, ruling out mechanical failure. The investigation focused on the pilot's lack of instrument flight rules (IFR) certification and the extreme weather conditions. Evidence suggested the pilot rotated the aircraft before reaching the required takeoff speed, causing the plane to enter instrument conditions immediately after leaving the ground. The investigation also noted that the airfield lacked any navigation or communication aids, and the pilot's psychological profile, characterized by anxiety and a disregard for safety margins, played a significant role in the decision to depart.