What happened
On January 11, 2016, an Embraer EMB-202 aircraft, registration PT-AQS, operated by VOAAR Aviação Agrícola Ltda, departed from the Nossa Senhora do Loreto Aerodrome (SJDU) in Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, for a ferry flight to a landing area at Fazenda Caiboaté. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot decided to return to the departure airfield because a flight report had been left behind.
During the return approach, the aircraft maintained a glide path higher than intended and at a speed exceeding recommended limits. The aircraft touched down approximately 150 meters past the runway threshold. Upon landing, the pilot attempted to brake, but the wet grass surface prevented effective deceleration. In an attempt to maneuver, the pilot executed a left yaw, which caused the aircraft to veer off the runway and collide with a fence. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right landing gear, right wing (including the fuel tank), and right flap. The pilot was uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's weight and balance, noting that the Center of Gravity (CG) was at 27.42% of the Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC), slightly exceeding the 27% aft limit. However, this was not considered a contributing factor to the accident. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was removed from the scene prior to receiving authorization from the investigating authority (SERIPA V).
Findings
- The pilot's approach was unstabilized, characterized by excessive height and speed.
- The wet grass runway surface significantly reduced braking effectiveness.
- The pilot's decision to yaw left was influenced by the presence of another aircraft at the runway holding point, which blocked the available escape area to the right.
- Contributing factors included pilot judgment, application of controls, and management oversight.