What happened
On August 24, 2023, an Embraer EMB-810D, registration PT-RSI, was performing a scheduled air taxi flight from Campo Grande to Hotel Porto Jofre, Mato Grosso. The flight, operated by AMAPIL Táxi Aéreo, carried a pilot and one passenger.
During the landing attempt on runway 19 at the Hotel Porto Jofre aerodrome, the aircraft experienced a sudden sink during the flare due to a tailwind gust. This resulted in a hard touchdown of the main landing gear approximately 475 meters from the runway threshold. Following the initial contact, the aircraft gained lift and tilted to the right, causing the tips of the right propeller blades to strike the runway surface. While the pilot attempted to apply power to stabilize the aircraft, the aircraft lost control and subsequently collided with a flooded area approximately 605 meters from the runway. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but both occupants were unharmed.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's training history, and the local meteorological conditions. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy, within weight and balance limits, and that the pilot held valid licenses and medical certification.
Meteorological data indicated high temperatures and turbulent atmospheric conditions in the region. Investigators also reviewed the operator's Safety Management System (SMS) and found that the specific aerodrome where the accident occurred was not included in the company's risk portfolio. Additionally, the investigation noted a discrepancy in the operator's personnel management, as the pilot's total flight hours were below the 1,200-hour requirement established in the company's own operational manual.
Findings
- The pilot's approach speed was likely higher than recommended due to an improper use of power during the approach to compensate for turbulence.
- Inadequate pilot judgment regarding the approach speed and the decision to continue the landing rather than performing a go-around contributed to the loss of control.
- A tailwind gust during the flare caused an abrupt descent and the subsequent propeller strike.
- Organizational deficiencies were identified, including the operator's failure to include the accident site in its risk management portfolio and a failure to monitor pilot flight hour requirements against company standards.