What happened
On April 17, 2022, an Embraer EMB-505, registration PP-LGD, was performing a private flight from Salvador to the Barra Grande Aerodrome (SIRI) in Maraú, Brazil. Upon landing on runway 11, the aircraft began its landing roll, but the pilot initiated a go-around procedure by advancing the throttles to the TO/GA position. After returning the throttles to idle, the pilot continued to apply maximum braking.
Believing the braking was insufficient, the pilot engaged the Emergency Parking Brake (EPB). This action caused the wheels to lock, and the pilot subsequently commanded a 180-degree right turn (a "power slide" or skid) to attempt to stop. The aircraft traveled approximately 55 meters beyond the stopway, exiting the paved surface. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the tail cone and control mechanisms, as well as minor damage to the right wing. The two crew members on board were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the braking performance and the decision-making process regarding the use of the emergency brake. Investigators examined the aircraft's Brake Control Unit (BCU) and the anti-skid system. The investigation found that the anti-skid system was functioning normally, modulating hydraulic pressure to prevent wheel skid.
Evidence suggested the runway surface had a layer of water and debris (resembling mud), which likely delayed braking effectiveness. While the aircraft's deceleration rate prior to the EPB engagement suggested it would have stopped within the runway limits if normal brakes had been used, the engagement of the EPB disabled the anti-skid protection. Furthermore, the investigation noted that because the aerodrome is private, it was not subject to the same strict runway friction monitoring regulations as public aerodromes.
Findings
- Inappropriate use of the emergency parking brake, which disabled the anti-skid system and caused wheel lock-up, reducing braking efficiency.
- Inadequate pilot judgment regarding the evaluation of braking effectiveness and the decision to use the EPB.
- The presence of water and mud on the runway surface, which contributed to the delay in deceleration.
- The lack of specific regulatory requirements for monitoring runway friction at this private aerodrome.