What happened
On June 29, 2009, an Embraer EMB-810D, registration PT-VRF, was performing a private flight from Videira, SC, to Rio Verde, GO. After approximately three hours of flight, while descending through 6,500 feet, the pilot noticed intense vibrations coming from the right engine.
To mitigate the risk, the pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing on an uncertified airstrip located in Cachoeira Alta, GO. During the landing roll, a cow entered the runway and collided with the aircraft's right wing. The impact caused the animal to roll beneath the wing and strike the right main landing gear, breaking it. This structural failure caused the right propeller blades to strike the ground, while the aircraft spun 180 degrees before coming to a complete stop. All four occupants (one pilot and three passengers) escaped the incident uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the cause of the engine vibration and the subsequent runway excursion. Investigators examined the right engine's components, including the spark plugs and magnetos, which were found to be in normal condition. However, the inspection revealed dirt within two of the six fuel injectors.
While the fine mesh filters for both engines were operational, the filter for the right engine contained significantly more debris than the left. The aircraft had flown 17 hours and 30 minutes since its last inspection on June 10, 2009. Although the aircraft's service manual required the cleaning of these filters and fuel injectors during 100-hour inspections, the investigation found that the injector cleaning had not been performed. It was noted that the maintenance facility typically only cleaned the injectors upon specific reports of engine abnormalities from the operator.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine vibration was dirt accumulation in the fuel injectors of the right engine.
- The maintenance of the fuel injectors had not been carried out during the most recent 100-hour inspection.
- The decision to land at an uncertified airstrip exposed the aircraft to the risk of animal incursions.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right wing, right landing gear, right flap, and right propeller.