What happened
On October 16, 2019, a Neiva EMB721-D, registration PT-RXE, departed from the Tangará da Serra Aerodrome (SWTS) in Mato Grosso, Brazil, for a private transport flight to Alta Floresta. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and two passengers.
During the takeoff roll, approximately 1,100 meters from the start of the runway, the aircraft's right main landing gear collided with a dog that had entered the runway area. Despite the impact, the pilot continued the takeoff. To manage the situation and consume remaining fuel, the pilot conducted a five-hour flight in the region before returning to SWTS.
Upon attempting to land, the aircraft touched down on the left side of the runway. The aircraft then drifted to the right, causing the right wing to strike the ground. The aircraft veered off the side of the runway and rotated 180 degrees from its original heading. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right landing gear, wing, and flaps, though all three occupants remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation confirmed that the pilot was fully qualified, with valid medical and flight instrument ratings, and that the aircraft was airworthy and within weight and balance limits. The investigation focused on the airfield infrastructure and the circumstances surrounding the wildlife encounter.
Investigators found that the airport's perimeter fencing was incomplete; while posts had been installed, the protective mesh was missing, which allowed the animal to access the operational area. Additionally, the takeoff occurred only minutes after sunrise, which may have hindered the pilot's ability to visually detect the animal on the runway.
Findings
- Incomplete airport infrastructure, specifically the lack of completed fencing, allowed wildlife access to the runway.
- Presence of fauna (a dog) on the runway led to the initial collision with the landing gear.
- Low sun angle during takeoff may have reduced the pilot's visibility of the animal.
- The runway excursion during landing was a result of the aircraft's lateral drift following touchdown.