Embraer EMB-202A Overweight Landing Results in Aircraft Capsizing

Casualties unknown • IPIRANGA DO NORTE, MT, BR

An Embraer EMB-202A agricultural aircraft sustained substantial damage and the pilot suffered serious injuries after a tire failure caused the aircraft to veer off a gravel runway.

What happened

On December 21, 2012, at approximately 17:30 UTC, an Embraer EMB-202A, registration PT-VVG, was performing an agricultural spraying mission near Ipiranga do Norte, Mato Grosso. After departing from a private airstrip at Fazenda Cascata, the pilot identified a malfunction in the aircraft's chemical application system and decided to return to the departure site.

Upon landing on the unpaved gravel runway, the aircraft traveled approximately 300 meters before the right main landing gear tire deflated. This loss of pressure caused the pilot to lose directional control, leading the aircraft to veer off the right side of the runway and capsize. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the propeller, engine, cabin, fuselage, empennage, and wings. The pilot sustained serious injuries, specifically a fractured clavicle.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's weight and balance, the condition of the runway, and the flight sequence. The investigation established that the aircraft was operating significantly above its maximum takeoff weight. While the maximum takeoff weight for this model is 1800kg, the aircraft departed with a total weight of 1872kg, comprising the basic weight (1098kg), the pilot (100kg), fuel (64kg), and the agricultural payload (610kg). Given the short duration of the flight, the aircraft remained overweight at the time of landing.

Furthermore, the investigation noted that the landing strip, while not required to be registered, was an irregular gravel surface containing several large stones. Investigators concluded that the tire failure likely occurred when the overweight aircraft struck one of these stones during the landing roll.

Findings

  • The aircraft was operating above the maximum allowable takeoff weight.
  • The landing surface consisted of irregular gravel with large stones embedded in the track.
  • The deflation of the right tire led to the loss of directional control and the subsequent rollover.
  • Flight planning and pilot judgment were identified as contributing factors.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the aircraft operating above its maximum takeoff weight, which likely led to the right main tire striking a large stone on the irregular gravel runway, resulting in a tire failure and subsequent loss of control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-12-21 aircraft accident near IPIRANGA DO NORTE, MT, BR?

An Embraer EMB-202A agricultural aircraft sustained substantial damage and the pilot suffered serious injuries after a tire failure caused the aircraft to veer off a gravel runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-12-21 involved a aircraft, registration PTVVG, at IPIRANGA DO NORTE, MT, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the aircraft operating above its maximum takeoff weight, which likely led to the right main tire striking a large stone on the irregular gravel runway, resulting in a tire failure and subsequent loss of control.

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