What happened
During a takeoff roll at an airport near Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, the Piper PA-31 experienced a significant loss of power in the right engine. As the aircraft reached rotation speed, the compression in the right engine dropped from 37 to 20 inches. In an attempt to restore the expected power, the pilot reduced and then advanced the throttle of the affected engine. Following this, both throttles were cycled again, but the power deficiency persisted.
Because the aircraft had not yet reached sufficient speed to safely abort the takeoff, the pilot continued the takeoff roll. Upon reaching the air, the pilot initiated a smooth climb. However, upon reaching 80 feet, the pilot executed a sharp left turn in an attempt to return to the runway. This maneuver caused a significant loss of lift, leading the aircraft to strike trees and ultimately impact the ground. The aircraft sustained heavy damage, and the crew sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the sequence of engine failure and the crew's decision-making. Investigators found that the pilot had experienced the exact same turbocharger failure during two previous flights on the same day. In those instances, the pilot had successfully