What happened
On August 16, 2003, at approximately 18:10 local time, an EMB-710C, registration PT-NEJ, was performing a takeoff from an unregistered gravel airstrip in Marcelândia, Mato Grosso. Shortly after lifting off, the aircraft's left wing lower edge struck the helmet of a motorcyclist traveling in the opposite direction on the runway. The impact caused the motorcyclist to lose control, resulting in a crash of the motorcycle.
The collision caused the aircraft's fuel tank to puncture, leading to a fuel leak. The motorcyclist sustained severe injuries and passed away four hours later. The motorcycle's passenger sustained minor injuries. The pilot of the aircraft was uninjured, and the aircraft suffered minor damage. Following the incident, the pilot continued the flight to Sinop, landing at an airfield using car headlights to illuminate the runway due to the lack of night lighting infrastructure.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed a significant lack of regulatory compliance regarding both the pilot and the aircraft. The pilot, a Uruguayan national, was operating the aircraft without a valid Brazilian pilot license, flight rating, or medical certificate; his existing Uruguayan credentials had expired in 2001 and had not been validated in Brazil. Furthermore, the aircraft was operating with an expired Certificate of Airworthiness, expired registration, and expired insurance.
The investigation also examined the operational environment, noting that the takeoff occurred from an unapproved, unhomologated gravel strip located within an urban perimeter. This strip lacked any formal safety regulations or restrictions, allowing ground traffic to cross the runway freely. Maintenance records for the engine, propeller, and airframe were also found to be outdated and incomplete.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the use of an unapproved, unhomologated runway that allowed for an interface between urban traffic and aircraft operations.
- The pilot lacked any legal authorization or valid licenses to operate an aircraft in Brazil.
- The aircraft was in an unairworthy condition, with several critical certificates and inspections expired.
- The pilot's psychological state was characterized by a sense of complacency regarding the illegality of his operations.
- Poor lighting conditions at night contributed to the delayed mutual sighting between the aircraft and the motorcycle.