What happened
On September 17, 2011, an EMB-712 aircraft, registration PT-NSY, was performing a private flight from Ourinhos, SP, to the Fazenda Mosquito Aerodrome in Orlândia, SP. The flight was intended for the purpose of identifying various farms within the interior of São Paulo state.
Upon arrival at the destination, the pilot attempted to land on the runway. Immediately after touchdown, the aircraft experienced a loss of directional control. The pilot reported that a left crosswind influenced the aircraft, causing it to drift toward the right side of the runway axis. In an attempt to correct this yaw, the pilot applied left rudder input. This maneuver caused the aircraft to veer toward the left side of the runway, traveling approximately 80 meters before the left wing struck a wooden fence post. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the left wing's leading edge and the failure of the right landing gear.
All four occupants—the pilot and three passengers—were uninjured during the excursion.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation focused on determining the cause of the loss of control and evaluating the mechanical condition of the aircraft. Investigators utilized a local certified maintenance workshop to suspend the aircraft and perform hydraulic and brake system tests. The inspection confirmed that the braking system was fully operational and showed no signs of leaks or malfunctions. No defects were found in the aircraft's structural or mechanical components that could have contributed to the loss of directional control. The investigation also noted that while the pilot had checked weather conditions online prior to departure, the flight planning had been complicated by several changes to the originally intended route.
Findings
- Pilot command application;
- Pilot judgment.