What happened
On January 31, 1997, a Maule MXT-7 180, registration PT-WIK, was involved in a ground collision and subsequent rollover at an airfield in Jundiaí, São Paulo. The flight, originally planned from Pirassununga to Campo de Marte with a stop in Campinas, had been diverted to Jundiaí so the pilot could replace a malfunctioning GPS unit.
Following the unplanned stop, the pilot began taxiing with the intention of taking off directly from the taxiway. During this maneuver, the aircraft's right landing gear struck a fuel storage tank located at the end of the taxiway. The impact caused the aircraft to strike a fuel pump, leading to a rollover where the aircraft ended up upside down. The two occupants sustained light injuries and were assisted from the wreckage by bystanders.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making and the operational sequence leading to the impact. Investigators found that the pilot was experiencing significant irritation due to delays caused by the unplanned stop in Jundiaí. This emotional state led to a rushed departure process, where the aircraft's tie-downs had not even been fully removed before the takeoff roll began.
Investigators noted that the pilot had previously performed takeoffs from taxiways and assumed the maneuver was feasible. However, the pilot failed to perform a pre-takeoff engine check or conduct any formal performance planning. Crucially, the takeoff attempt did not account for the aircraft's weight, the airfield's altitude, or the required runway length. The investigation also noted that while the pilot was under neurological treatment for sleep disturbances, medical evaluations concluded that physiological factors did not contribute to the accident.
Findings
- Improper takeoff location: The pilot attempted to use a taxiway as a runway, which is contrary to standard operational procedures.
- Deficient planning: The pilot failed to calculate the necessary takeoff distance relative to the aircraft's weight and the local density altitude.
- Psychological factors: The pilot's irritability caused by flight delays impaired his judgment and led to a rushed, undisciplined operational approach.
- Lack of oversight: The absence of local air traffic control meant there was no external check to prevent the irregular procedure.