What happened
On October 26, 2016, an Embraer EMB-810C, registration PT-ERC, departed from Brasília, DF, en route to Santa Maria da Vitória, BA, for a private flight carrying four passengers. During the flight, the pilot decided to divert the destination to an uncertified and unregistered airstrip located in Coribe, BA.
Upon attempting to land at the Coribe strip, the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft. During the landing roll, the auxiliary landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to slide several meters along the runway. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the auxiliary landing gear, engines, propellers, and the forward fuselage. All five occupants on board escaped the occurrence without injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators confirmed that the pilot held a valid multi-engine land rating and a current medical certificate. The aircraft was also found to be in a condition for flight, with a valid airworthiness certificate, up-to-date maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller, and was within weight and balance limits. Meteorological conditions at the time of the flight and the landing in Coribe were favorable for visual flight rules (VFR).
Findings
- The pilot elected to land at an unauthorized/unregistered airstrip.
- The pilot lost directional control during the landing phase.
- The collapse of the auxiliary landing gear was the primary cause of the aircraft's excursion and subsequent damage.