What happened
On February 4, 2011, an EMB-710C, registration PT-NDN, was performing a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Santa Maria da Vitória, BA, to Coribe, BA. During the landing roll at the Coribe aerodrome, the left wingtip of the aircraft struck a person walking on the runway. The impact resulted in the death of one person on the scene. The pilot and the passenger were uninjured, and the aircraft sustained minor damage to the left wingtip.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed that the Coribe aerodrome suffered from critical infrastructure failures. Although official records indicated a runway width of 15 meters, the actual usable width varied between only 3.5 and 4.5 meters due to encroaching crops and pasture. Furthermore, the aerodrome's perimeter fencing was compromised, allowing unrestricted access by pedestrians, motorcycles, bicycles, and animals.
The investigation also found that the pilot was operating with an expired technical rating (CHT). While the pilot was experienced enough for the flight type, the investigation noted a lack of adequate preparation for the landing, such as performing a low pass to clear the runway of obstacles. Witnesses reported that although bystanders attempted to warn the pedestrian of the approaching aircraft, the individual likely did not hear the engine or understand the warning.
Findings
- Inadequate airport infrastructure, specifically the lack of effective perimeter isolation, which allowed unauthorized movement on the runway.
- Improper pilot judgment regarding the risks of landing at an aerodrome with known safety deficiencies.
- Lack of operational oversight by the aircraft owner, who permitted operations at an unsafe airfield.
- Failure to implement safety procedures, such as a warning pass, to alert persons on the runway prior to touchdown.
Safety action
CENIPA issued several safety recommendations to the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), including:
- Conducting an inspection of the Coribe aerodrome to verify if its current infrastructure allows for safe operations.
- Enhancing inspection mechanisms to prevent pilots from operating with expired technical ratings.
- Improving the monitoring of aerodromes to prevent the use of runways with inadequate safety conditions.
- Disseminating the lessons learned from this accident to general aviation operators, emphasizing the importance of assessing operational conditions at all landing sites.