What happened
On April 16, 1995, an EMB 711T, registration PT-NVT, was performing a flight from Belo Horizonte to Araguari with a scheduled stop in Bauru, Brazil. Upon arriving in Bauru, witnesses on the ground noted that the aircraft's engine was operating irregularly. After a 90-minute stop, the aircraft attempted a second takeoff.
During the takeoff roll, the engine experienced further failure. Despite the malfunction, the pilot continued the takeoff attempt. Shortly after lifting off, the engine ceased functioning entirely. The pilot attempted to glide the aircraft, but the plane veered to the right after clearing the runway, striking a tree before colliding with a fuel tanker garage. The impact triggered a massive explosion involving the aircraft's fuel and fuel from a tanker truck parked in the garage. The crash resulted in three fatalities: both pilots died at the scene, and the passenger succumbed to injuries in the hospital several days later. The aircraft was destroyed, and several vehicles and the garage structure sustained severe damage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the aircraft had been undergoing irregular engine operation since its arrival in Bauru. While the aircraft's maintenance records showed that inspections were up to date, the investigation could not determine the specific mechanical cause of the engine failure because the documentation and wreckage were destroyed in the fire.
Investigators also noted that the emergency response was hindered because the local airfield's fire services were not immediately available, requiring assistance from the Bauru municipal fire department. Furthermore, the investigation highlighted that the crew's decision-making played a critical role in the sequence of events.