What happened
On February 17, 2010, an EMB-500, registration PR-UUT, was performing a flight from Brasília to São Paulo. While the initial flight conditions were favorable, weather conditions deteriorated significantly upon arrival at Campo de Marte (SBMT). The airport was operating under Special VFR conditions due to heavy rain.
During the landing roll on runway 30, the pilot experienced a loss of braking effectiveness. In an attempt to regain control, the pilot applied the emergency parking brake. The aircraft subsequently veered off the right side of the runway, resulting in the failure of the left main landing gear. The aircraft sustained severe damage, including damage to the tail cone, wing undersides, flaps, ailerons, and the landing gear. All four occupants—the pilot and three passengers—were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the interaction between the aircraft, the runway surface, and the meteorological conditions. Investigators examined the aircraft's braking systems, including the power-by-wire brakes and the independent emergency parking brake. The investigation also reviewed the airport's infrastructure, specifically the drainage capabilities and the lack of rainfall measurement equipment (rain gauges) at the aerodrome.
Technical analysis confirmed that the aircraft's mechanical systems were in perfect working order and that the aircraft was within weight and balance limits. The investigation established that the aircraft was experiencing hydroplaning due to the accumulation of water on the runway surface.
Findings
- Hydroplaning: The heavy rainfall caused a significant accumulation of water on the runway, leading to a hydroplaning condition that neutralized the effectiveness of the brakes.
- Inadequate Infrastructure: The aerodrome lacked an efficient drainage system, allowing the runway to become contaminated. Furthermore, the absence of rain gauges prevented the establishment of a standardized method to communicate runway water depth to pilots.
- Pilot Decision Making: The pilot attempted to use the brakes in a manner inconsistent with the aircraft's flight manual, which contributed to wheel lock-up during the landing roll.
- Training Gaps: The existing training program did not sufficiently cover operations on short, contaminated, or wet runways, nor did it emphasize specific braking techniques for these conditions.
Safety action
CENIPA issued several recommendations, including:
- A request for ANAC to evaluate the drainage conditions at Campo de Marte.
- A recommendation for the installation of rain gauges at airports to allow for better communication of runway contamination levels.
- A recommendation for Embraer to enhance pilot training programs regarding operations on wet and contaminated runways.
- A recommendation for operators to reinforce training regarding landing distance calculations and proper brake usage in adverse conditions.