What happened
On April 13, 2016, an Embraer EMB-711ST, registration PT-RJF, was performing a private transport flight from Francisco Beltrão to the Clube de Voo Itaipu aerodrome in Santa Terezinha de Itaipu, Brazil. The flight carried a pilot and one passenger.
Upon landing on runway 19, the aircraft failed to stop within the paved surface and overran the longitudinal limit of the runway. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. Both occupants of the aircraft were uninjured during the occurrence.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the mechanical condition of the braking system, finding that the brake linings and discs were within the service limits specified in the maintenance manual. There were no signs of hydraulic leaks or ineffective braking due to mechanical failure. The investigation also noted that while the aircraft was within weight limits, it was exceeding the forward Center of Gravity (CG) limit.
Regarding the flight preparation, investigators found that the pilot had not consulted official meteorological information, relying instead on informal reports from local residents regarding weather conditions. Additionally, the aircraft's logbooks for the airframe, engine, and propeller were found to be outdated, with the last entries dating back to August 2014.
Findings
- The pilot performed the approach at approximately 90 knots with 25° flaps in the presence of a strong right crosswind.
- The pilot landed in the first third of the runway, but the brakes were insufficient to stop the aircraft before the end of the pavement.
- The aircraft's operating manual provided landing performance graphs for 40° flaps but lacked specific performance data for partial flap settings, such as 25°.
- Inadequate flight planning, specifically regarding weather assessment and lack of familiarity with the destination aerodrome, contributed to the event.
- Deficiencies in pilot decision-making and piloting judgment were identified as contributing factors.
Safety action
CENIPA issued a recommendation to the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to coordinate with the manufacturer, Embraer, to evaluate the necessity of updating the EMB-711ST Operating Manual. The goal is to include performance data for intermediate flap configurations to ensure pilots have accurate landing distance estimates.