What happened
On October 30, 2020, an EMB-500 aircraft, registration PR-LMP, was performing a personnel transport flight from Congonhas Airport (SBSP) to São Pedro Aerodrome (SSDK) in Igaratinga, Minas Gerais. The flight, carrying two pilots and two passengers, proceeded without incident during the takeoff and en-route phases.
Upon arrival at SSDK, the aircraft landed on runway 29. During the landing roll, the aircraft failed to decelerate within the available runway length, traveling the full length of the pavement and exceeding the departure end. After exiting the runway, the aircraft struck an object on the ground, traveled approximately 13 and 0 meters, and fell from a height of roughly 10 meters. The impact was followed by a fire that consumed the cockpit, passenger cabin, and internal components. The two crewmembers and two passengers sustained minor injuries, but the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's systems, the runway conditions, and the crew's approach profile. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's braking and anti-skid systems were functioning correctly and that the airworthiness documentation was up to date.
Data from the flight recorders indicated that the aircraft experienced a 6-knot tailwind during the approach, which was not anticipated by the crew. While the crew's approach was noted to be unstable at 500 feet AGL, investigators determined that this deviation was not the primary cause of the excursion. The investigation also noted that the runway lacked transverse grooving for water drainage and that, following heavy rainfall, the surface exhibited a "mirrored" appearance, indicating significant water accumulation.
Findings
- The runway was in a contaminated condition due to heavy rain, which significantly reduced the coefficient of friction and impaired braking performance.
- The aircraft's landing distance requirements for a contaminated runway exceeded the 1,300 meters available at SSDK.
- The crew may have experienced difficulty in perceiving and analyzing the runway conditions due to the reflective, mirrored surface caused by standing water.
- The aircraft was not equipped with ground spoilers or speed brakes to assist in deceleration.
- The aircraft's landing weight was estimated at approximately 4,400 kg.