Mid-air Collision Between Two Aircraft at São José Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • SANTARÉM, PA, BR

A mid-air collision involving a Cessna T210N and an Embraer EMB 720C occurred during takeoff and landing maneuvers in Santarém, Brazil.

What happened

On July 19, 2016, at approximately 15:30 UTC, a mid-air collision occurred at the São José Aerodrome (SNSH) in Santarém, Pará. The first aircraft, a Cessna T210N (registration PR-JCS), was performing a local flight and was on its final approach for landing. During this approach, the pilot observed an Embraer EMB 720C (registration PT-EOT) stationary at the runway threshold.

After failing to establish communication via the coordination frequency, the pilot of PR-JCS proceeded with the landing attempt despite the runway not being clear. As the PR-JCS approached, the PT-EOT began its takeoff roll. The two aircraft collided during the first third of the runway. The impact caused the engine of the PR-JCS to fail, forcing the pilot to perform an emergency landing further down the runway. Due to the sudden nature of the event, the landing gear of the PR-JCS was not fully locked upon touchdown. The collision resulted in substantial damage to both aircraft, with the propeller blades of the PR-JCS causing significant damage to the cockpit of the PT-EOT.

The investigation

CENIPA's investigation revealed several procedural irregularities following the accident. Investigators found that the registration marks on the PT-EOT had been scraped off, and components of the PR-JCS (the horizontal and vertical stabilizers) were removed prior to the arrival of investigators. Furthermore, the accident was not reported by the involved parties, but rather by third parties 24 hours after the event. The investigation also noted that neither aircraft had filed a flight plan for the operations.

Findings

  • The pilot of PR-JCS failed to comply with aeronautical regulations by proceeding with the landing while the runway was occupied by another aircraft.
  • Failure to maintain runway separation was the primary factor leading to the collision.
  • The aircraft were operated without prior authorization from the competent aeronautical authority.
  • The pilot of the PT-EOT sustained minor injuries, while the pilot of the PR-JCS was uninjured.

Probable cause

The collision was caused by the pilot of the Cessna T210N proceeding with a landing approach while the runway was occupied by another aircraft, combined with a lack of communication between the two pilots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-07-19 aircraft accident near SANTARÉM, PA, BR?

A mid-air collision involving a Cessna T210N and an Embraer EMB 720C occurred during takeoff and landing maneuvers in Santarém, Brazil.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-07-19 involved a aircraft, registration PRJCS, at SANTARÉM, PA, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collision was caused by the pilot of the Cessna T210N proceeding with a landing approach while the runway was occupied by another aircraft, combined with a lack of communication between the two pilots.

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