What happened
On August 25, 2000, an EMB 721 C, registration PT-EDY, was performing a flight from Fazenda Xaraés to Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, carrying one passenger. As the aircraft began its takeoff roll on a grass runway, the pilot suffered a sudden medical emergency. The pilot lost consciousness, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and collide with a tree located on the left side of the strip. The impact resulted in severe damage to the aircraft, including damage to the propeller, engine, wings, landing gear, and fuselage. The passenger sustained light injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators established that the pilot's death was caused by a rupture of a cerebral aneurysm and was not a direct result of the impact. The autopsy confirmed the medical event occurred during the takeoff roll. The investigation also examined the takeoff site, a non-certified (unhomologated) grass runway at Fazenda Xaraés. The runway, measuring 600 by 30 meters, lacked a safety overrun area and was surrounded by obstacles, including trees and shrubs. The aircraft's maintenance records were found to be up to date, and the pilot held valid commercial and multi-engine licenses, as well as a valid medical certificate.
Findings
- The primary cause of the loss of control was the pilot's sudden loss of consciousness due to a cerebral aneurysm.
- The use of a non-certified airfield contributed to the severity of the accident, as the lack of an overrun area and the presence of nearby obstacles prevented the aircraft from decelerating safely.
- The operation at an unhomologated airfield constituted a violation of flight discipline and aviation regulations.