What happened
On May 30, 2014, at approximately 23:55 UTC, an ATR-42-50 and registration PR-TKB, operated by Total Airlines S/A, was performing a charter flight from Urucu Aerodrome (SBUY) to Eduardo Gomes International Aerodrome (SBEG) in Manaus, Brazil. The flight was transporting 45 passengers and four crewmembers.
During the takeoff rotation, the aircraft collided with a tapir (*Tapirus terrestris*) on the runway. The impact caused significant damage to the right main landing gear, including the shock absorber, hydraulic lines, and aerodynamic fairings. The collision also affected the aircraft's hydraulic systems, preventing the right main landing gear from retracting after takeoff.
Following the strike, the crew declared an emergency and proceeded to Manaus with the landing gear in the extended position. During the landing at SBEG, the damaged right main landing gear caused the aircraft to yaw to the right upon touchdown. The crew utilized directional control and the emergency brake to maintain the aircraft within the runway limits. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage, all 49 occupants were unharmed.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the wildlife strike and the subsequent mechanical failures. Investigators examined the infrastructure of the Urucu Aerodrome, noting that the facility lacked an operational area isolation fence, which allowed wildlife to access the runway.
The investigation also reviewed the crew's performance, finding that the nighttime conditions and the speed of the rotation made it impossible to perceive the animal or abort the takeoff without exceeding runway limits. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) operator had no way to identify or alert crews to animal presence unless specifically notified by pilots.
Findings
- The lack of operational area isolation at the takeoff aerodrome allowed the tapir to enter the runway.
- The crew was unable to perceive the animal in time to perform an abortive takeoff due to the nighttime environment and the aircraft's rotation speed.
- The presence of the tapir directly caused the collision with the right main landing gear.
- The impact resulted in the loss of the normal braking system and caused secondary damage to the nose landing gear due to excessive strain during the landing yaw.