What happened
On April 11, 1995, a Piper PA-28-235, registration PT-IME, was performing a takeoff from the Fazendinha landing strip, an uncertified mining runway located in Monte Dourado, Pará. The runway, which served clandestine mining activities, measured approximately 400 meters in length and 15 meters in width, featuring an irregular dirt surface.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft struck trees located at the end of the runway, which were approximately 25 meters high. Following the initial impact, the aircraft lost control, struck the surface of the Carecuru River, and subsequently submerged. The pilot sustained fatal injuries at the scene, and the aircraft was completely destroyed.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation was significantly hindered because the accident was not reported to the aeronautical authorities until four months after the occurrence. The investigation established that the aircraft was operating with an expired Annual Maintenance Inspection (IAM) and that the engine and propeller logbooks were not up to date.
Regarding the crew, while the pilot held a valid Commercial Pilot license, his medical certificate had been expired since March 1, 1995. Furthermore, the investigation could not verify the pilot's flight experience due to missing records. Witnesses also reported that the aircraft was operating with an excess weight of at least 100 kg above its maximum takeoff weight.
Findings
- Deficient Planning: The pilot failed to account for the aircraft's performance limitations, attempting a takeoff with excessive weight on a runway shorter than the 500 meters required by the manufacturer to clear a 15-meter obstacle.
- Deficient Supervision: The operator allowed the aircraft to operate from an uncertified strip while in an unairworthy condition (expired maintenance) and with an unqualified pilot (expired medical certificate).
- Flight Indiscipline: The pilot intentionally operated from an uncertified strip and exceeded maximum takeoff weight, violating established aviation regulations.
- Deficient Judgment: The pilot incorrectly assessed that the available runway length would be sufficient for a safe takeoff despite the heavy load.