What happened
On December 22, 2020, a Cessna C525, registration PR-HFT, was performing a private flight from Congonhas Airport (SBSP) to Uberlândia (SBUL) with a pilot and four passengers. During the landing phase at Ten Cel Av César Bombonato Airport, the aircraft failed to decelerate sufficiently on the runway. Despite the pilot applying maximum braking pressure, the aircraft overran the runway limits, exiting through the opposite threshold and coming to a stop approximately 50 meters beyond the departure end.
The runway surface was wet due to recent rainfall and thunderstorms in the vicinity. Upon realizing the lack of deceleration, the pilot checked the Crew Alerting System (CAS) for warnings. Finding no active alerts, the pilot incorrectly attributed the lack of braking performance to potential hydroplaning and continued to rely on the standard braking system rather than initiating emergency procedures.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's braking system and conducted functional tests on the antiskid control box using manufacturer-approved procedures. The investigation revealed that the normal brake system was not responding to pilot commands. Technical analysis of the control box identified an abnormal connection between the electronic boards and their base, which compromised power regulation and the functionality of the braking components.
While the aircraft's emergency braking system remained operational, the investigation found that the pilot did not execute the manufacturer's established 'Wheel Brake Failure' procedure, which instructs the crew to use the emergency brake lever in the event of main system failure.
Findings
- A failure in the antiskid control box prevented the brakes from functioning with expected effectiveness.
- The wet runway conditions increased the required stopping distance.
- The pilot's perception was impaired by a 'tunnel vision' effect, focusing on the possibility of hydroplaning rather than recognizing a mechanical failure.
- The emergency braking procedure was not implemented during the landing roll.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the nose landing gear, radome, antennae, and lower fuselage fairings, though all occupants were unharmed.