What happened
On April 21, 2008, an EMB-110P1, registration PT-OCV, operated by Rico Linhas Aéreas S/A, departed from Manaus (SBEG) bound for Carauari (SWCA). The flight was carrying 15 passengers and two crew members. Approximately 50 minutes into the flight, while cruising at 8,500 feet, the aircraft experienced a failure of the right engine. After an unsuccessful attempt to restart the engine in flight, the pilot elected to perform an emergency landing at Coari (SWKO).
During the approach, the crew encountered a total electrical failure, which caused the loss of several critical components, including landing gear and flap controls. Although the crew successfully deployed the landing gear using the emergency system, they failed to return the selector to the normal position. Upon landing, the aircraft failed to respond to braking or directional commands, veering off the runway. The aircraft traveled approximately 200 meters along the runway before striking a drainage ditch, which caused the landing gear to collapse. The accident resulted in 9 minor injuries (one crew member and eight passengers) and significant damage to the aircraft's engines, propellers, flaps, and landing gear.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the operational and mechanical factors surrounding the engine failure and the subsequent runway excursion. Investigators examined the aircraft's weight and balance, the maintenance history of the fuel pumps, and the crew's adherence to emergency checklists. The investigation also reviewed the infrastructure of the Coari aerodrome, specifically the presence of erosion and ditches near the runway edge.
Findings
- The aircraft departed with a weight of 503 kg above the maximum takeoff weight and landed with 464 kg above the maximum landing weight.
- The aircraft was operating significantly overweight, which increased the required approach and landing speeds.
- The crew failed to use the emergency checklist, leading to the omission of critical steps, such as returning the landing gear selector to the normal position.
- A total electrical failure occurred because the crew did not follow complete engine shutdown procedures, which included monitoring the electrical system performance.
- The engine failure was linked to the poor condition of the mechanical fuel pump, which showed signs of excessive use and lack of proper maintenance.
- The runway excursion was exacerbated by the presence of a drainage ditch at the side of the runway, which caused the landing gear to collapse.
- There was a lack of effective crew resource management (CRM), as the crew's attention was focused on the engine failure, causing them to overlook the electrical failure and the checklist.