Bird strike and landing gear loss lead to substantial damage to Embraer EMB-710C

Casualties unknown • ITAITUBA, PA, BR

A Neiva EMB-710C aircraft sustained substantial damage after colliding with an animal during takeoff, resulting in the loss of its left main landing gear.

What happened

On February 28, 2018, a Neiva EMB-710C, registration PT-NPG, was performing a private transport flight between two unregistered airstrips in the Itaituba region of Pará, Brazil. The mission involved transporting two passengers and three LPG (cooking gas) cylinders.

During the takeoff roll from the Mariona mining airstrip, the pilot initially delayed the departure due to the presence of livestock on the runway. After the animals were cleared, the pilot commenced the takeoff. However, as the aircraft reached approximately 5/50 knots, an animal returned to the runway and collided with the left main landing gear.

Fearing an explosion due to the pressurized cargo and facing limited runway length, the pilot elected to continue the flight toward a different destination, the Crepurizão airstrip. During the approach, a ground observer noted that the aircraft had lost its left main landing gear. Consequently, the pilot diverted to the Mundico Coelho Aerodrome (SNMD). Upon landing, the aircraft veered off the left side of the runway. The pilot and both passengers were uninjured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The investigation

The investigation by SERIPA I faced significant obstacles. The operator/owner could not be located, and the pilot was not identified. Furthermore, the aircraft was removed from the scene without authorization from the SIPAER investigation authority, and no aircraft documentation was presented to investigators. Due to these violations of aeronautical legislation and the lack of available data, the investigation was officially interrupted.

Findings

  • The aircraft was operating without proper seating for the two passengers on board.
  • The collision with an animal during takeoff caused the loss of the left main landing gear.
  • The decision to continue the flight following the strike was influenced by the risk associated with the flammable cargo.
  • The aircraft was being used for the transport of pressurized gas cylinders.
  • The investigation was hindered by the unauthorized removal of the aircraft from the accident site and the failure to notify the authorities.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the accident was a collision with an animal during takeoff, which resulted in the loss of the left main landing gear and subsequent runway excursion during landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2018-02-28 aircraft accident near ITAITUBA, PA, BR?

A Neiva EMB-710C aircraft sustained substantial damage after colliding with an animal during takeoff, resulting in the loss of its left main landing gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2018-02-28 involved a aircraft, registration PTNPG, at ITAITUBA, PA, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the accident was a collision with an animal during takeoff, which resulted in the loss of the left main landing gear and subsequent runway excursion during landing.

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