What happened
On July 5, 2007, at approximately 08:45 UTC, an EMB-110 cargo aircraft, registration PT-WAW, was performing taxi operations at Rio de Janeiro International Airport (SBGL). After being authorized to start engines and begin taxiing toward runway 10 via taxiway "J," the crew moved the aircraft from its parking position at the TPS-5 cargo terminal. During the maneuver, the aircraft exceeded the apron limits, crossed an open storm drainage ditch, and came to an abrupt stop in a central median. The aircraft sustained light damage to the propellers, engine cowlings, landing gear, and the lower rear fuselage, but both crew members were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the environmental and infrastructural conditions at the TPS-5 cargo terminal. Investigators examined the visibility conditions, noting that the taxi occurred during the night/early morning period under misty conditions with heavy dew on the windshield. The investigation also scrutinized the airport's infrastructure, specifically the lighting and pavement markings at the terminal. It was established that the airport was operating without an approved Airport Operations Manual (MOA) and lacked formal operational certification under RBHA 139 at the time of the event. Furthermore, investigators found that several floodlight bulbs were inoperable and that pavement markings were worn or obscured by vegetation.
Findings
- Visual Illusions: The crew experienced false sensory impressions due to low light, mist, and fogged windshields, which led them to misinterpret the aircraft's position relative to the taxiway.
- Infrastructure Deficiencies: The apron lighting was insufficient due to numerous inoperable lamps, and the taxiway edge markings were obscured by vegetation growing between concrete blocks.
- Inadequate Maintenance: The horizontal signage on the taxiway was worn, and the lack of a formal maintenance plan for the movement area prevented the identification of these latent risks.
- Lack of Oversight: The absence of an approved Airport Operations Manual (MOA) meant there were no standardized procedures for monitoring the movement area or implementing corrective actions for infrastructure discrepancies.
- Environmental Factors: The presence of an inactive taxiway (formerly taxiway "E") in the flight path contributed to the crew's erroneous interpretation of the taxi route.