What happened
On November 18, 2000, an EMB 810 C, registration PT-WSK, was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Marabá to Senador José do Porfírio. Approximately 90 minutes into the flight, the pilot suspected a mechanical issue involving low oil pressure in the right engine and elected to perform a precautionary landing at the uncertified Pacajá airfield in Pará.
After inspecting the aircraft and finding no evidence of a malfunction, the pilot decided to resume the flight. Based on the prevailing wind conditions, the pilot selected runway 21 for takeoff. This runway presented a specific hazard: two high-voltage power poles, measuring 10.30 meters in height, were located 3ally 30 meters from the end of the runway.
Shortly after lifting off, the pilot became concerned about clearing the obstacles and initiated a left turn while reducing engine power to execute an intentional forced landing ahead of the poles. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck a perimeter fence, causing it to crash onto the Transamazon Highway. The aircraft continued across the road, struck wooden posts, and performed a 180-degree ground loop before colliding with a sawmill fence. The aircraft sustained significant damage to the right engine, right wing, fuselage, nose, and landing gear.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's performance capabilities and the pilot's decision-making process. Calculations based on the aircraft's performance charts, considering the aircraft weight of 1,800 kg, an air temperature of 32°C, and a 10-knot tailwind, indicated that the aircraft had sufficient runway to clear the obstacles. Even accounting for the unpaved surface, the investigation concluded that the takeoff distance required was well within the 620 meters of usable runway available.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's configuration of the aircraft, noting that the use of 10 degrees of flaps was not optimized for the specific runway constraints. The investigation also noted that the airfield was uncertified and lacked proper infrastructure to ensure safe operations.