What happened
On March 2, 2001, a Beechcraft B5/5, registration PT-OET, operated by Táxi Aéreo Cuiabá, crashed during takeoff from Fazenda Rio Azul in Cerejeiras, Rondônia. The flight was intended to transport five passengers to Fazenda Riozinho.
During the boarding process, witnesses noted that the aircraft's tail touched the ground, a condition that only corrected itself once the engines were started. After takeoff, the aircraft climbed to an altitude of approximately 100 meters with an aggressive nose-high attitude. Shortly after reaching this height, the aircraft lost lift, entered a left-hand turn, and struck the ground on the left side of the runway. The impact triggered a fire that consumed much of the airframe. All six fatalities (the pilot and five passengers) occurred at the scene.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's weight and balance, the operational procedures of the operator, and the pilot's actions. The investigation found that the aircraft was operating near its maximum takeoff weight of 2,313 kg. To extend the flight's range, the pilot had transported an additional 100 liters of fuel in plastic containers inside the cabin.
Simulations conducted by investigators demonstrated that because no luggage was placed in the nose compartment to offset the weight of the passengers, the center of gravity (CG) was significantly behind the allowable aft limit. The investigation also noted that the operator, Táxi Aéreo Cuiabá, lacked oversight regarding the pilot's flight experience and aircraft flight hours.
Findings
- Improper Weight and Balance: The primary cause of the accident was the center of gravity being shifted beyond the aft limit, which caused an uncontrollable nose-high pitch and subsequent stall.
- Pilot Complacency: The pilot demonstrated excessive confidence and complacency by proceeding with the takeoff despite the aircraft showing clear signs of an unbalanced load (the tail touching the ground during boarding).
- Operational Deficiencies: The operator accepted a contract that pushed the aircraft's autonomy limits, necessitating the dangerous transport of loose fuel in the cabin, and failed to supervise pilot training and experience.
- Lack of Planning: There was a failure to perform necessary weight and balance calculations prior to departure.