What happened
On December 8, 2018, a Beechcraft BE58, registration PP-VSM, was performing a private flight from Novo Progresso to Mundico Coelho Aerodrome (SNMD) in Pará, Brazil. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and three passengers.
Upon landing at SNMD, the aircraft encountered unexpected runway conditions. During the landing roll, the aircraft struck a layer of concrete that had been laid over the existing surface. This impact caused the left main landing gear to collapse, forcing the aircraft to veer off the left side of the runway, cross a drainage ditch, and collide with an embankment. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but all four occupants escaped without injury.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the runway configuration and the pilot's performance. While the ROTAER (Aeronautical Chart) listed the runway as gravel with a length of 700 meters, the investigation revealed that recent works had extended the runway to approximately 1,236 meters using a laterite (piçarra) surface. However, a concrete layer had been applied from runway end 33 toward the center, leaving only 636 meters of usable distance from runway end 15 before hitting the concrete obstacle.
The investigation found that the pilot, who was highly experienced with 22,500 total flight hours, was landing with a tailwind. The aircraft touched down 400 meters past runway end 15. Given the required landing distance for the aircraft's configuration was 433 meters, the aircraft did not have sufficient distance to stop before reaching the concrete section. Crucially, there was no NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued to alert pilots of the ongoing construction or the change in runway surface characteristics.
Findings
- The pilot was properly licensed, medicalized, and experienced for the flight.
- The aircraft was airworthy, within weight and balance limits, and all maintenance records were up to date.
- Meteorological conditions were favorable for VFR flight.
- The physical characteristics of the runway differed from the information published in the ROTAER.
- A concrete layer had been placed over the runway surface without prior notification to aviation authorities.
- The lack of a NOTAM regarding the runway works and the presence of a tailwind were the primary factors leading to the excursion.
Safety action
Following the accident, authorities were notified to ensure the administrator of Mundico Coelho Aerodrome complies with ANAC regulations regarding the communication of physical changes to runway characteristics. The aerodrome was temporarily closed and has since resumed operations with updated surface information reflected in the ROTAER.