What happened
On January 11, 2009, an EMB-810D aircraft, registration PT-VSX, was performing a ferry flight from Canela to Porto Alegre when it veered off the runway during landing. The flight, operated by Fibraer Indústria Aeronáutica Ltda., was carrying a pilot and four passengers.
During the landing roll on runway 11, the pilot observed the left wing dropping and the aircraft initiating a turn toward the left. The aircraft exited the paved surface and came to a stop on the grass adjacent to the runway. While the aircraft sustained heavy damage to the lower fuselage, propellers, and landing gear components, all five occupants escaped the wreckage without injury.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's landing gear system and maintenance records. Although the pilot reported that the landing gear lights were green and that the gear had been commanded down during the approach, evidence suggested the nose gear doors were open at the moment of impact. Post-accident testing of the hydraulic system revealed that the pressure in the gear extension line was lower than the manufacturer's specifications, although the system was still capable of extending and locking the gear under test conditions.
Investigators also found that the aircraft's maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were outdated. The investigation focused on the timing of the gear extension command and the adequacy of the aircraft's maintenance oversight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the failure of the left main landing gear to lock in the down position, causing the wing to drop and the aircraft to veer off the runway.
- The pilot likely commanded the landing gear down too late in the approach, possibly only after being prompted by Air Traffic Control, leaving insufficient time for the gear to complete its extension and locking cycle.
- Inadequate maintenance oversight and improper recording of preventive maintenance tasks contributed to the risk of intermittent mechanical failures.
- The hydraulic pressure in the gear extension line was found to be below the required standard.