Description

On 28 October 2013, a BAe Jetstream 31 (SE-FVP) being operated by Avies on a scheduled domestic passenger flight from Kärdla to Tallinn Estonia veered off the side of the 1520 metre-long runway 14 after take-off power was set for departure in normal day visibility. The aircraft was observed to continue a right turn through more than 180° on the grass before slowing down and turning to the left and onto the apron where it stopped and the 17 passengers were disembarked.

Investigation

An Investigation was carried out by the Estonian Safety Investigation Bureau. The parameters available on the FDR were assessed to be irrelevant to the Investigation and it was not removed. It was discovered that data on the 2 hour CVR had been intentionally erased after the event but were successfully recovered and a subsequent sound spectrum analysis proved important to the Investigation.

It was noted that the 56 year-old Captain, who was PF for the investigated take-off, had accumulated 14,500 total flying hours which include 530 hours on type. The 49 year-old First Officer had 2,500 total flying total hours of which 2,000 hours were on type.