What happened
On March 25, 2003, a Mitsubishi MU-300, registration PT-LNN, was performing a flight from Santos Dumont Airport (SBRJ) to the Santos Air Base (SBST) carrying two crew members and one passenger. During the approach, the pilot executed an initial descent procedure but performed a go-around after reaching the minimum descent altitude (MDA).
Following the go-around, the pilot initiated a 360-degree turn to lose altitude and reposition for the landing. During this maneuver, the aircraft was operating in weather conditions with heavy rain, a low ceiling of approximately 800 feet, and visibility of 2,500 meters. Upon aligning with the runway, the aircraft touched down 450 meters beyond the threshold of runway 35. The landing was characterized by high speed, with the left main gear striking the ground first, followed by the right gear 20 meters later.
During the landing roll, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, causing it to overshoot the runway limits, cross a grassy area, and breach a concrete breakwater, eventually coming to rest in the Bertioga Channel. The aircraft was submerged in polluted saltwater for approximately 34 hours, rendering it a total loss.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's mechanical condition, the meteorological data, and the flight crew's performance. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's braking system was functional and that the emergency brake was not utilized during the overrun. The investigation also noted that while the tires showed significant wear, they were within maintenance limits.
Investigators analyzed the approach profile, noting that the pilot's decision to perform a 360-degree turn resulted in the aircraft being too high and too fast on the final approach. The investigation also considered the crew's experience levels and the impact of the heavy rain on the runway surface.