What happened
On January 25, 2011, an EMB-712 aircraft, registration PT-NUT, was performing a flight from Rondonópolis, Mato Grosso, to the Arco-Íris Farm airfield. During the flight, the pilot became disoriented and mistakenly landed at the São Jerônimo Farm airfield instead of the intended destination.
Following the landing, a passenger alerted the pilot that they had arrived at the incorrect location. During the subsequent landing roll, the pilot lost directional control, and the aircraft veered to the left. The aircraft exited the runway and collided with wooden and concrete posts located near an agricultural storage structure. The impact caused severe damage to the aircraft's wings, the main and auxiliary landing gear, and the propeller spinner. All three occupants—the pilot and two passengers—remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's mechanical condition and the environmental factors at the time of the accident. The investigation confirmed that the braking system and directional controls were functioning normally, and the runway surface was dry and unobstructed. The aircraft was within its approved weight and center of gravity limits, and its airworthiness certification was valid.
Investigators analyzed three possible scenarios for the excursion: an improper approach, an attempted go-around on the ground, or a combination of both. While the pilot reported a stabilized approach, the investigation noted that the high energy of the impact suggested an excessive approach speed or a late touchdown. Furthermore, the leftward deviation of the aircraft was consistent with the torque effect typically experienced during a sudden application of power, suggesting a possible attempted go-around after the error was realized.
Findings
- Inadequate flight planning: The pilot failed to properly verify the characteristics of the destination airfield, such as runway dimensions and surface type, particularly as the destination lacked navigational aids.
- Navigation error: The pilot did not utilize GPS equipment during the flight, which contributed to the confusion regarding the destination.
- Improper aircraft control: The pilot failed to apply appropriate control inputs to maintain the aircraft on the runway centerline and prevent the collision with obstacles.
- Operational judgment: The investigation highlighted potential errors in judging the touchdown point or managing a go-around maneuver within the available runway length.