What happened
On August 25, 2010, an EMB-145LU, registration PR-PSJ, operated by Passaredo Linhas Aéreas, was performing a VFR approach to runway 15 at Vitória da Conquista Airport (SBQV). During the final segment of the approach, the aircraft's main landing gear and the underside of the fuselage struck a small mound located in the undershoot area, which had been constructed for rainwater containment.
Following the impact, the aircraft skidded for approximately 300 meters and veered off the left side of the runway, eventually coming to rest 35 meters from the pavement. The impact caused substantial damage to the engines, landing gear, fuselage, and horizontal stabilizer. Despite the significant damage to the aircraft, all 35 passengers and 3 crewmembers evacuated safely without any injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the environmental and operational factors leading to the undershoot. The investigation established that the crew was operating at the airport for the first time. Investigators analyzed the physical characteristics of the runway, noting a pronounced upward slope (acclivity) at the threshold and a runway width of only 30 meters, which was narrower than the 45-meter runways the crew typically operated.
Flight recorder data (CVR) indicated that the pilot experienced difficulty pitching up the aircraft to correct a low approach slope just before impact. The investigation also examined the company's safety culture, noting a lack of specific operational warnings regarding the unique terrain and runway characteristics of SBQV, and a prevailing practice among pilots to maintain a lower approach slope to reduce landing distance.