What happened
On November 28, 2000, an EMB 202 operated by Mirim Aviação Agrícola Ltda was attempting to depart from a 600-meter dirt runway located at Granja Recheteiner in Pelotas, RS, for a rice paddy spraying mission. The aircraft was heavily loaded, carrying 100 liters of fuel and 600 liters of herbicide, bringing its total weight to approximately 1,787 kg.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot realized the aircraft would not achieve lift-off within the available runway length. In an attempt to increase lift, the pilot extended the flaps to 30 degrees. This action increased aerodynamic drag, further hindering performance. The aircraft eventually floated past the end of the runway, striking an obstacle at the threshold. Following the impact, the aircraft continued for approximately 100 meters without engine power before striking the ground violently. The aircraft sustained severe damage to the engine, propeller, fuselage, and landing gear, though the pilot escaped uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators determined that the required runway length for the aircraft's weight and the prevailing environmental conditions (25°C) was 645 meters, exceeding the 600 meters available. The investigation examined the pilot's experience, the aircraft's maintenance history, and the operational procedures of the agricultural operator. The investigation also evaluated the infrastructure of the Contagem runway, which lacked a paved surface, an overrun area, and formal authorization for use at the time of the accident.
Findings
- Inadequate takeoff planning: The pilot failed to perform necessary weight and balance calculations or consider the impact of temperature and pressure on takeoff performance.
- Improper use of flight controls: The decision to increase flap settings to 30 degrees during a critical phase of takeoff increased drag and compromised the aircraft's ability to climb.
- Excessive confidence: The pilot's vast experience (14,000 total flight hours) may have led to overconfidence and the adoption of unsafe operational habits.
- Deficient infrastructure: The runway was too short for the intended load and lacked an adequate safety margin or escape area.
- Lack of organizational oversight: The operator failed to provide adequate supervision or establish maximum load limits for specific runways based on environmental conditions.