What happened
On June 13, 2009, a Beechcraft C 90, registration PT-LQE, was performing a visual flight rules (VFR) approach to Nanuque Aerodrome (SNNU) in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The flight, which had transitioned from instrument flight rules (IFR) earlier in the trip, was attempting to intercept the centerline for runway 28.
During the final approach, the aircraft's right landing gear struck a small mound of earth covered in tall grass located before the runway threshold. Immediately following this contact, the aircraft collided with a Chevrolet Vectra traveling on a dirt road situated within the runway safety area. The impact caused the left wingtip to strike the ground, damaging the landing gear and propellers. The aircraft then slid approximately 150 meters, eventually coming to a stop off the left side of the runway. While the aircraft sustained heavy damage, the two pilots, two passengers, and the occupants of the vehicle were all uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the flight path and the infrastructure of the aerodrome. Investigators established that the crew relied on GPS to locate the airfield due to unfavorable visibility conditions. The investigation examined the aircraft's flight maneuvers, noting that the pilot performed an aggressive banking turn to align with the runway, which led to a loss of lift and an unstable descent.
Furthermore, the investigation scrutinized the aerodrome's safety environment. It was found that the runway surface was degraded and that the lack of perimeter fencing allowed unauthorized vehicles to operate within the runway safety area. The investigation also noted that the lack of clear runway edge markings and the presence of obstacles, such as the dirt mound, contributed to the severity of the event.
Findings
- The pilot executed an aggressive banking maneuver during the final approach to align with the runway, which caused the aircraft to lose lift and descend at an unstable rate.
- The crew attempted to improvise a GPS-based approach rather than following standard traffic patterns due to poor visibility.
- The presence of a dirt road and unmanaged vegetation within the runway safety area directly led to the collision with the vehicle and the initial ground contact.
- Inadequate airport infrastructure, including the lack of perimeter fencing and poor runway markings, failed to prevent the presence of hazards in the approach path.