What happened
On October 12, 2009, an EMB-500, registration PP-AFM, was performing a flight from Campo de Marte (SBMT) to Angra dos Reis (SDAG). Upon landing on runway 10, the pilot realized the aircraft was unable to stop within the available runway length. In an attempt to decelerate, the pilot applied the emergency brake and executed a sharp maneuver to steer the aircraft off the pavement. The aircraft exited the runway at the opposite end, coming to a stop six meters beyond the stopway. The impact caused the main landing gear tires to burst and resulted in structural damage to the wings, landing gear, lower fuselage, and tail cone. All two occupants on board were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance history and operational performance. The investigation revealed that the aircraft, which had only 14 total flight hours at the time of the accident, had experienced two previous hydraulic leaks in the brake system within its first nine hours of operation. The investigation also analyzed the runway dimensions and the aircraft's performance capabilities under the prevailing conditions. It was noted that the aircraft's performance charts indicated the runway length was insufficient for a landing under the specific weight and wind conditions present during the occurrence.
Findings
- The aircraft's braking system failed to provide adequate deceleration during the landing roll.
- The runway length was insufficient for the aircraft's performance requirements given the aircraft's weight and the prevailing wind conditions.
- The aircraft's braking performance was inadequate to stop the aircraft within the runway limits.
- The aircraft had a history of hydraulic leaks related to the brake system in its very early operational stages.