Embraer EMB-810D Excursion at Private Brazilian Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • CONDEÚBA, BA, BR

An Embraer EMB-810D veered off the runway at Aeródromo Sebastião José Pereira during a landing attempt, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.

What happened

On July 27, 2022, an Embraer EMB-810D, registration PP-EIN, operated by the Government of the State of Bahia, was conducting a reconnaissance flight of the runway at Aeródromo Sebastião José Pereira (SIPO) in Condeúba, Brazil. The flight originated from Salvador, BA, with two qualified pilots on board.

Upon arrival at the aerodrome, the crew performed a low pass to assess runway conditions. Noticing the absence of a windsock and observing calm vegetation, the crew decided to land on runway 31. To avoid the gravel section of the runway, the pilot flying opted to touchdown on the asphalt portion. During the landing roll, the aircraft experienced a loss of directional control, veering to the left. The aircraft exited the left side of the runway and struck a tree with its left wing, rotating more than 90 degrees before coming to a complete stop. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, though both occupants escaped without injury.

The investigation

The CENIPA investigation focused on the braking system and the physical characteristics of the runway. While the pilot flying reported a perceived lack of braking action on the right side, investigators found no mechanical abnormalities, leaks, or defects in the brake system, reservoir, or lines. However, tire marks on the runway indicated that the left brake had been more effective than the right.

Investigators also noted discrepancies between the official ROTAER information and the actual runway surface. While the ROTAER described the runway as gravel, the investigation found a 852-meter asphalt section followed by a 374-meter gravel section. Furthermore, the runway featured a variable elevation profile.

Findings

  • The aircraft's braking system was fully functional with no mechanical failures detected.
  • The aerodrome lacked a windsock, preventing the crew from accurately determining wind direction or potential tailwind components.
  • The landing was performed on a shortened segment of the runway, utilizing only the asphalt portion to avoid gravel.
  • Inadequate risk assessment regarding the landing on a runway with physical characteristics that differed significantly from official aeronautical charts.
  • Potential errors in the crew's decision-making process and flight control inputs during the landing roll.

Probable cause

The investigation concluded that the accident was likely caused by inadequate risk assessment and decision-making, specifically regarding landing on a runway with unverified physical characteristics and the absence of wind information, which may have led to improper flight control inputs during the landing roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2022-07-27 aircraft accident near CONDEÚBA, BA, BR?

An Embraer EMB-810D veered off the runway at Aeródromo Sebastião José Pereira during a landing attempt, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2022-07-27 involved a aircraft, registration PPEIN, at CONDEÚBA, BA, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The investigation concluded that the accident was likely caused by inadequate risk assessment and decision-making, specifically regarding landing on a runway with unverified physical characteristics and the absence of wind information, which may have led to improper flight control inputs during the landing roll.

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