What happened
On March 23, 1999, at 19:10 local time, a Beechcraft A 90 King Air, registration PT-OUL, operated by No Limits Táxi Aéreo Ltda., was preparing for a night flight to transport bank mail between Franca and Ribeirão Preto. Before departure, the crew was informed of heavy Cumulus Nimbus formations near the runway 05 threshold.
In an effort to depart quickly and avoid the approaching weather, the pilot elected to take off from the taxiway intersection, approximately 350 meters short of the full runway length. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft entered low-altitude clouds. Approximately one minute after departure, the aircraft struck the ground for the first time, followed by a second impact 200 meters later. The aircraft then overturned and exploded. Both crew members sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, which showed the plane was up to date with all inspections and operating within weight and balance limits. Engine inspections revealed that both engines were producing high power at the time of impact, as evidenced by the deformation of the combustion chambers and the position of the propeller blades.
The investigation also focused on the meteorological conditions, noting the presence of heavy convective activity and the known occurrence of windshear at the airport. Investigators also noted that the cargo (mail bags) was not properly secured with a net, and some of the load had shifted into the cockpit during the accident sequence.
Findings
- Adverse weather conditions, specifically the presence of Cumulus Nimbus clouds and the high risk of windshear, contributed to the loss of control.
- Deficient judgment by the pilot, who chose to depart from a shortened runway position to save time and disregarded the risks posed by the approaching heavy weather.
- Deficient planning, as the pilot's haste to depart and the decision to use the taxiway intersection were driven by the pressure to maintain schedule and avoid being grounded by deteriorating weather.
- Psychological factors, specifically the pilot's established habit of taking off from the taxiway to expedite operations.
- The lack of a cargo restraint net may have contributed to crew distraction during the critical phase of flight due to shifting cargo.