What happened
On October 7, 2009, at approximately 21:00 UTC, an Embraer EMB 810C, registration PT-ESN, was performing a cargo transport flight from São Joaquim (SWSQ) to Querari (SWQE) in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. The flight was part of a mission involving multiple stops in the region.
While entering the traffic pattern at Querari, the pilot attempted to extend the landing gear. The nose gear indicator light failed to show a green light, indicating the gear had not locked. The pilot used a mirror on the left engine cowling to visually confirm that the nose gear remained retracted. Despite attempts to extend the gear using both the normal and emergency systems, only the main landing gear deployed and locked.
As a result, the pilot proceeded to land with the nose gear up. The aircraft struck the runway with the propellers, causing the plane to slide approximately 18 and 180 meters before coming to a complete stop. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the engines and propellers, along with minor damage to the lower cowlings. The pilot was uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the gear failure and the loading procedures used prior to departure. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's experience, and the cargo configuration.
Post-accident testing of the landing gear system revealed that the nose gear failed to extend because a box placed in the forward cargo compartment had exerted lateral pressure on the nose gear bay. This pressure prevented the gear from properly deploying into its locked position.
Findings
- The pilot had valid certifications but possessed limited experience with this specific aircraft model.
- During the loading process, the pilot placed a box in the forward compartment between the cargo door and the nose gear bay cowling.
- The manufacturer's instructions specifically warned against placing cargo in this area to avoid interfering with the landing gear operation.
- The pilot's desire to optimize ground time and mitigate delays caused by earlier weather-related issues likely contributed to the improper loading procedure.
- Improper cargo placement was the primary cause of the nose gear failure.
Safety action
- It is recommended that the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) work with Amazonaves Táxi Aéreo Ltda. to ensure crew members are properly instructed on correct cargo loading procedures and weight and balance calculations to maintain operational safety.