What happened
On September 29, 2002, at approximately 2:10 PM, an EMB-810 C (registration PT-EZB), operated by Olinda Táxi Aéreo Ltda, was performing a night takeoff from Arcoverde, Pernambuco, destined for Recife. The aircraft was carrying six occupants, including the crew and a political delegation.
Roughly three seconds after crossing the opposite end of the runway, the left engine lost power. In an attempt to return to the runway, the pilot executed a left-hand turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft lost altitude and struck a tree and two walls—one belonging to a local school and another to a nearby residence. The impact caused a significant fire that destroyed much of the aircraft's structure. All six occupants sustained minor injuries, and the aircraft was a total loss.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the mechanical state of the engines, the crew's performance, and the operational oversight of the operator. Investigators examined the wreckage and found that while the right engine was still producing high power at impact, the left engine's propeller blades showed signs of rotation-free twisting, indicating a loss of power. A fuel hose in the left engine was found to be past its expiration date, though its direct role in the failure could not be definitively proven.
The investigation also revealed that the aircraft was operating significantly overweight. Estimates suggest the aircraft was approximately 200 kg above the maximum takeoff weight during the initial leg from Recife, and roughly 73 kg above the limit during the fatal takeoff from Arcoverde. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the co-pilot was flying with expired ratings.
Findings
- Inappropriate Emergency Maneuver: The pilot's decision to execute a left-hand turn (toward the failed engine) at low altitude and low airspeed was a critical error that led to the loss of control.
- Operational Overweight: The flight was planned and executed with the aircraft exceeding its maximum takeoff weight.
- Crew Fatigue and Decision Making: The crew had only approximately two hours of rest prior to the flight, contributing to potential fatigue. The pilot also exhibited overconfidence and a disregard for operational standards.
- Organizational Deficiencies: The operator lacked formal training programs, effective supervision of pilot qualifications, and adequate maintenance controls, as evidenced by the use of expired components.
- Inadequate Crew Resource Management (CRM): There was poor coordination between the pilot and co-pilot, with the co-pilot failing to intervene effectively during the critical stages of the emergency.