What happened
On February 3, 2003, an EMB-721D aircraft, registration PT-RKV, was performing a takeoff from the 14 Bis aerodrome (SSOK) in Londrina, Brazil. The aircraft was engaged in a mission to transport agronomists for field studies. As the aircraft reached the end of the runway, it had not yet achieved the necessary airspeed for liftoff. The aircraft overran the runway limits and collided with obstacles in the surrounding terrain. The impact caused the landing gear to be destroyed and resulted in severe damage to the propeller, engine, wings, and flaps. All 6 occupants (the pilot and five passengers) were able to abandon the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the aircraft was operating approximately 90 kg above its maximum takeoff weight. This excess weight was due to an unplanned increase in fuel load following a disagreement during refueling and the unexpected arrival of an additional passenger. The investigation also found that the pilot had not consulted performance charts or takeoff tables to verify if the aircraft could safely operate under the current conditions.
Furthermore, the investigation examined the runway conditions at the private aerodrome. While the pilot had been informed that the grass would be mowed, only a portion of the runway had been cleared. The pilot chose to taxi to the edge of the newly cleared section, effectively reducing the available takeoff distance by approximately 150 meters. The investigation also noted that the pilot's decision-making was influenced by a desire to complete the mission and avoid professional repercussions, as the flight had been diverted to this specific aerodrome to avoid inspection due to unauthorized promotional decals on the fuselage.
Findings
- Overweight operation: The aircraft was significantly above its maximum takeoff weight due to unplanned fuel and passenger increases.
- Inadequate runway use: The pilot disregarded available runway length by taxiing to the edge of the cleared grass section.
- Poor decision-making: The pilot proceeded with takeoff despite knowing the aircraft was overweight and the runway conditions were critical.
- Incomplete runway maintenance: High grass remained at both the beginning and the end of the runway, increasing rolling resistance.
- Lack of performance verification: The pilot failed to perform necessary calculations or consult performance charts regarding weight and runway length.