What happened
On December 15, 2023, a Cessna 510, registration PR-MCL, was performing a ferry flight from Bacacheri Aerodrome to Ijuí Aerodrome (SSIJ) in Rio Grande do Sul. The flight, operated by Roma Participações e Empreendimentos Ltda., was conducted under IFR conditions.
Upon arrival at SSIJ, the aircraft landed on runway 36. The touchdown occurred approximately 340 meters beyond the runway threshold. During the landing roll, the aircraft failed to stop within the available pavement, overrunning the departure end of the runway and veering to the right before coming to a stop on a sloped area. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the landing gear assembly and lower fuselage, as well as minor damage to the wings, flaps, and ailerons. The pilot was uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation examined the meteorological, operational, and mechanical aspects of the event. Investigators found that the aircraft was within its weight and balance limits and that all maintenance records and airworthiness certificates were up to date.
Meteorological analysis revealed an unstable atmosphere in the region, characterized by thunderstorms, rain showers, and significant cloud development. Security camera footage confirmed that it was raining at the time of the accident, resulting in a wet runway.
Performance calculations performed by the investigators indicated that while a landing with zero wind on the wet runway was theoretically possible within the 1,280-meter runway length, a 10-knot tailwind component would increase the required landing distance to 1,295 meters, exceeding the available runway. The pilot reported perceiving a tailwind during the landing. Additionally, the investigation noted that the pilot partially retracted the flaps to the TO/APR position during the landing roll. This action likely reduced aerodynamic drag, further contributing to the increased stopping distance.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating within manufacturer-defined weight and balance limits.
- The runway surface was wet due to active rainfall and unstable weather conditions.
- The pilot's decision-making regarding the feasibility of the landing under tailwind conditions was a critical factor.
- The decision to proceed with the operation despite the risk of exceeding the required landing distance due to a tailwind and wet surface was a primary contributing factor.
- Inadequate flight planning regarding the determination of surface wind intensity and direction contributed to the event.