What happened
On May 1, 2011, an EMB-711ST aircraft, registration PT-RYD, departed from Fazenda São José do Cangalha, Mato Grosso, for a flight to observe various farms in the Água Clara region. Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the pilot encountered heavy cloud formations and electrical activity.
Seeking to avoid the deteriorating weather, the pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing on an uncertified dirt strip located near the BR-0SB highway. The pilot did not perform a low-altitude flyover of the strip to assess its condition before attempting the landing. Upon touchdown, the aircraft encountered irregular terrain and a ditch on the right side of the runway. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation using left pedal and braking, but the right landing gear sank into a ditch, causing the aircraft to veer right and strike a small tree with the right wingtip. The impact caused the aircraft to rotate 150 degrees on its vertical axis before coming to a stop. The pilot and passenger were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the decision-making process and the condition of the landing site. Investigators found that while the pilot had sufficient experience and valid licenses, the choice of the landing site was driven by proximity to the destination rather than safety. The investigation noted that the aircraft had sufficient fuel to reach a better-equipped alternative airport.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed several maintenance documentation discrepancies, including overdue 50-hour inspections for the airframe, engine, and propeller, as well as expired life limits on the vacuum pump and expired transponder testing. Although these maintenance lapses were not directly linked to the cause of the accident, they indicated failures in inspection and record-keeping protocols. The investigation also noted that the occupants were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the impact.
Findings
- Use of an uncertified, poorly maintained runway that lacked proper infrastructure and presented significant hazards.
- Inadequate pilot judgment in prioritizing the proximity of the landing site over the safety of a known, better-equipped alternative.
- Failure to perform a reconnaissance flyover of the uncertified strip to evaluate surface conditions and obstacles.
- Inadequate flight planning, specifically regarding the failure to prepare for deteriorating weather and the lack of pre-identified alternative landing sites.
- Improper maintenance oversight, evidenced by overdue inspections and expired component life limits.