What happened
On November 23, 2007, an EMB-810C, registration PT-RCV, was performing a landing approach at the Aeroclube de Flores (SWFN) in Manaus, Brazil. During the final approach, the pilot observed that the landing gear indicator lights did not confirm the gear was down and locked. To verify the gear position, the pilot decided to execute a go-around.
During the go-around maneuver, the aircraft lost lift and collided with residential buildings located near the aerodrome. The pilot and the three passengers survived the impact without injuries, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed several critical irregularities regarding the flight's legality and the pilot's actions. The pilot was flying with expired technical licenses and an expired medical certificate, and had not operated this specific aircraft model for over four years. Furthermore, the flight was being operated under the name of a different pilot during the flight notification process to circumvent the pilot's lack of valid credentials.
The investigation examined the aircraft's systems and found that the engines were functioning normally. However, it was noted that the pilot failed to use the onboard mirror, which would have allowed a visual confirmation of the landing gear position. Additionally, the investigation found that the pilot's lack of familiarity with the aircraft's specific design—specifically how navigation lights affect the visibility of gear indicators during the day—contributed to the decision to abort the landing.
During the go-around, the pilot failed to follow the standard checklist, relying instead on memory. The pilot initiated a left turn without increasing engine power and neglected to retract the landing gear, which created excessive drag. The pilot also mistakenly believed the left engine was malfunctioning and activated the auxiliary fuel pumps, an action that may have caused an engine overboost.
Findings
- Improper go-around execution: The pilot initiated the maneuver with a left turn without increasing power and failed to retract the landing gear, leading to a loss of airspeed and lift.
- Pilot error and oversight: The pilot failed to use the aircraft's checklist and neglected to utilize the engine cowling mirror for visual gear verification.
- Regulatory non-compliance: The pilot was operating with expired licenses and medical certificates, and the flight notification was filed under a different pilot's identity.
- Lack of type familiarity: The pilot was unaware that navigation lights could obscure the visibility of the landing gear indicators during daylight hours.