What happened
On September 11, 2007, a Cessna 310Q, registration PT-JCY, was performing a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Arapiraca, AL, to Salvador, BA. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and five passengers. During the landing phase at Salvador (SBSV), the pilot reported encountering a wind gust that resulted in a heavy landing. Immediately following the touchdown, the left landing gear retracted. The aircraft subsequently veered to the left, traveling approximately 100 meters along the runway before coming to a stop 40 meters from the runway edge. While the aircraft sustained severe damage to the ventral section, horizontal stabilizer, and left landing gear, all occupants escaped without injury.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators determined that the aircraft was operating significantly above its maximum allowable landing weight. While the maximum landing weight for the aircraft is 2,404 kg, the actual weight at landing was estimated at approximately 2,591 kg, representing an excess of 102 kg. Laboratory analysis of the landing gear components, specifically a bolt and an end fitting assembly, revealed that both parts had failed due to tensile overload. The investigation also noted discrepancies between the aircraft's cargo manifest and the actual weight recorded in the logbook. Furthermore, the investigation examined the organizational structure of the operator, noting a lack of formal pilot training programs and standardized performance monitoring.