What happened
On August 27, 2008, an EMB-720D, registration PT-RVS, operated by Roraima Táxi-Aéreo Ltda., was landing on runway 26 at Boa Vista Airport (SBBV). During the landing roll, the pilot noticed the right wing was dipping lower than the left and the aircraft began drifting toward the right side of the runway. The aircraft traveled approximately 100 meters off-center before coming to a stop 500 meters from the start of the runway. Upon inspection, the pilot discovered that the entire right main gear wheel assembly, including the axle hub and shock absorber, had detached from the aircraft.
Prior to the incident, the aircraft had departed from Xidea (SJNG) for Boa Vista. During the takeoff roll from Xidea, the pilot had noted a slight impact against the fuselage, though the flight continued without further immediate indication of failure.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and the aircraft's maintenance history. The investigation focused on the structural integrity of the landing gear, specifically the lower half-scissors (semitesoura) that connects the telescopic strut to the wheel assembly. Because the component had detached in flight and was not recovered at either the departure or arrival aerodromes, a direct metallurgical analysis of the fracture surface was not possible.
Investigators also reviewed the operational environment, noting that the aircraft had been operating on irregular surfaces, including grass and unpaved runways, in the Roraima region. Maintenance records showed the aircraft had undergone a 100-hour inspection only 16 hours and 50 minutes prior to the accident.